Imo unveils industrial policy, partners private sector to grow economy

Imo State government has floated an industrial policy tailored to generate sustainable revenue and employment opportunities.

Unveiling the policy, yesterday, during a workshop for public and private organisations and agencies on ‘Implementing a Sustainable Industrial Policy for Imo State,’ in Owerri, the Chief Economic Adviser to the state government, Prof. Kenneth Amaeshi, urged participants to do more to grow Imo’s economy through aggressive investment, noting that it is the reason the guest trainer/ resource person, Pascal Odibo, who is the Group Country Director of Jeff & O’Brien Knowldge Africa, an African focused knowledge development firm, was invited.  

Amaeshi, a lecturer at the University of Edinburgh, said: “Bring your strength, let government bring its strength in a collaborative endeavour.  

“The kind of industrial policy that looks at employment creation, as well as needs of the people without compromising needs of future generation, a policy built on our people’s values; that’s what we are looking for. If you identify any opportunity, come let us help you; we are here as facilitators. We must expand the horizon so that our people can see opportunities. Let us create the Imo State we want.”

He spoke on the importance of taking digital technology to optimise businesses in the state by maximising earnings, while, also, identifying areas of comparative advantage, and putting in place an institutional framework that would drive the process.

According to him, the interaction was tailored to brainstorm on the highlight of contents of the industrial policy, and on strategies for its implementation, as well as the collaborative role of both private and public sectors to sustain the policy.

Delivering his lecture, Obi harped on the need to leverage the industrial policy for the survival and expansion of businesses.

He said: “To survive, we have to start a change process, stimulate change and when it comes, don’t fight it, it is called transition. Old memories can hinder progress, frustrate your next move and old habits, as well as tradition can kill innovation.”