The Anambra state government has played host to the International Finance Corporation (IFC), the private-sector arm of the World Bank, which is partnering with it to revive moribund industries in the state.
The World Bank arm has toured some major industries in the state, including Sab Miller Brewing Company, Dozzy Group and Pokobros Group at the Industrial Harbour in Onitsha.
The Country Director of IFC, Mr Ibrahim Dikko Adamu, said findings of their reports would be keyed in for Industrial growth of the state.
“It is our intention to search out issues affecting industrial production in the state,” he said.
Adamu assured that World Bank and IFC would do what it could to boost industrial production in Anambra state.
Others on the tour were the Commissioner for Trade, Commerce, Market and Wealth Creation, Dr Christian Madubuko, the Private Sector Specialist of World Bank Group, Anita Okemini, and the Executive Director of Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, Dr Ifediora Amobi.
They also include the staff of Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency and the Ministry of Trade, Commerce, Market and Wealth Creation.
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer of Dozzy Group of Companies, Sir Daniel Chukwudozie, said the issues confronting industries in the state included power, funding and infrastructural challenges. He said that government intervention was needed in these areas.
Also speaking, Pokobros Group Chairman, Chief Paul Okonkwo, expressed optimism that the IFC intervention would boost industrial growth in the state.
He however lamented the high rate of interest charged by the local banks, noting that prompt access of funds from the IFC would enhance industrial development in the country.
Emmanuel Ndukuba, Awka
