DELTA State Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has restated his administration’s commitment to diversify the state’s economy from that of oil-dependence to non-oil exports.

The governor stated this at the weekend during the Delta State Special Day of the 2015 Lagos International Trade Fair at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS).

Okowa, who was represented by the Commissioner for Information, Patrick Ukah, said that the state’s participation in the fair was a testimony of his government’s desire to stimulate the rapid growth of the economy “by way of accelerated development of commerce and industry, revitalisation and diversification of our economy, promotion of non-oil exports, exposition of made-in-Delta products, development of agricultural and agro-based industry, prospects for foreign and local investments and giving direct attention to the role of the private sector in economic development of the state.”

He said the idea of trade fair and exhibitions, especially with this year’s theme of “Enhancing Value Addition in Non-oil Economy,” fits well into his administration’s SMART agenda.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Barr. Mary Iyasere, reiterated the readiness of the state to partner with willing investors.
“Delta State Government is determined to create the enabling environment for business to thrive. In order to achieve this objective, the state is willing to partner with well-meaning investors in the non-oil sector to achieve its set goals,” she said.

Iyasere disclosed that 2016 Delta Trade Expo would hold in Warri immediately after the completion of next year’s edition of the Lagos fair.

The Deltan officials thereafter undertook a tour of the state’s stand where various products and items made in the state were on display.

The governor also visited the Japan External Trade Organisation (JETRO) on the invitation of the Japanese Government Office for Trade and Investment. He was received and conducted round by Taku Miyazaki, the Trade Commissioner and Managing Director of JETRO, Lagos.

Earlier in his remarks, President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alhaji Remi Bello, said the theme of this year’s event was to draw attention to the need to reposition and diversify the nation’s economy.