Gov. Peter Mbah of Enugu State has invited the Danish Government and business moguls to take advantage of the huge investment opportunities in the state’s agriculture sector.
Mbah extended the invitation to the Consul-General of the Royal Danish Embassy in Nigeria, Jette Djerrrum, who led a delegation of Danish government officials and business tycoons on a courtesy visit to him at the Government House, Enugu, on Monday.
He said the state had over 300,000 hectares secured as landbank for agriculture, adding that 40 per cent of the state’s economy was predominantly predicated on agriculture.
According to him, Enugu State has an initiative it is implementing currently, called Farm Estate, that cuts across the 260 electoral wards of the state.
He said: “We are also setting up Special Agro-Processing Zones, which will be a one-stop shop for manufacturers, where they will have everything they need like water, access roads, electricity and others.
“In livestock, we are investing hugely and also looking for partnership in that regard.
“We have secured about $20 million for investment in livestock.
“We are working on a massive ranch and we expect it to take over 20,000 cows,” he said.
Mbah also highlighted other opportunities in tourism, health, logistics, aviation, and other sectors.
He further affirmed his government’s commitment to not only create a business-friendly environment, but also de-risk investment.
He hailed the visit by the Danish delegation, describing it as a major boost for his administration’s effort to grow the state’s economy sevenfold to the tune of $30 billion in the next six years.
Earlier, Djerrrum said Denmark Government was eager to partner with Enugu State in key sectors and other areas of mutual benefits.
Djerrum, who is also the Head of Trade, Danish Embassy in Nigeria, said their interest was inspired by shared values with Enugu State Government, such as transparency, accountability, and inclusivity.
According to her, contrary to negative generalisation, Enugu State is an example that many good things were happening in Nigeria.
“I am here to understand what is important for Enugu.
“Denmark and Enugu State have similarities in transparency, accountability and transformation.
“We are here to figure out how we can help to improve more on what Mbah is doing.
“We already have Danish companies here and we want to get more to come, establish themselves and work together with Enugu citizens,” Djerrum said.