By Ogenyi Ogenyi,Uyo
Governor Umo Eno’s ARISE Agenda in Akwa Ibom has continued to present prospects that draw the attention of the international community to the various sectors of the State’s economy with deals in agriculture and trade with two Asian countries.
Latest of the prospects is the relationship brokered between the Republic of Indonesia and the subnational government of Akwa Ibom for collaborations in the areas of agriculture, aviation, infrastructure, education, technology and trade.
The state government had earlier last week entered into negotiation for trade deal with the Peoples Republic of China.
Eno brokered the partnership when he played host to the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, AVM Usrah Hendra Harahap, who was on a courtesy visit to him in Uyo.
Welcoming the Indonesian Ambassador the Governor expressed appreciation to the Ambassador for the interest of his government in Nigeria and by extension, Akwa Ibom, expressing confidence that the interaction would mark the beginning of a long lasting relationship between Indonesia and a subnational in Nigeria.
He noted that with the current food crisis occasioned by the withdrawal of subsidy on petrol by the Federal Government, prioritizing agriculture, including the blue economy and other areas that would enhance food sufficiency has become necessary, hence the need for the partnernership.
“It is note worthy that agriculture contributes about 12.8% of our GDP, employing about 47% of the entire nation’s workforce. So the global thing right now for us as a nation, particularly with the high cost of living associated with the removal of subsidy and other economic issues, is agriculture.
“Agriculture actually is on the front burner of our people right now and we know, like you also mentioned in your address, Indonesia has done very well in the area of agriculture. We’ll like to partner with you.” Eno said.
The Governor further expressed appreciation for the offer by the Indonesian Ambassador to support the operation of Ibom Air with a CN235 aircraft and assured that he would confer with the management of the airline over the proposal adding that the state government would want to collaborate with Indonesia in the area of electric vehicles where Indonesia was already doing very well.
“In this era of carbon credit, we will like to work with countries and organizations that will help us with electric vehicles. So I look forward to personally working with you on that. We’ll also like to see some cultural exchange between Akwa Ibom and Indonesia to build up our tourism potential.” He added.
In his address, Ambassador Harahap, stated that his visit underscored Indonesia’s unwavering commitment to strengthening her diplomatic ties with Nigeria which, since 1965, has witnessed steady growth, acknowledging the significant contributions of Akwa Ibom in fostering the relationship.
Affirming the desire of his government to further expand and deepen collaborations with Akwa Ibom, the Ambassador stated that Indonesia remained committed to fostering a broad-based partnership with Akwa Ibom and welcomed the state government to explore potential collaborations in other sectors, such as education, healthcare, and trade.
“I would like to express Indonesia’s keen interest in exploring new avenue of collaboration with the government of Akwa Ibom State: Indonesia is proud to offer the CN235 aircraft to Ibom Air. This versatile and reliable aircraft can significantly enhance domestic and regional connectivity, fostering economic growth and tourism in Akwa Ibom State.
“Indonesia has made significant advancements in coal-based fertilizer technology. We are eager to explore the potential application of this technology in Akwa Ibom, offering a cost-effective and efficient approach to enhancing agricultural productivity while promoting environmental sustainability.” He added.
