Chinese business men flood cross river

Two weeks after a Chinese trade delegation from Changchun City, China had made known its intention to establish a truck manufacturing plant in Calabar, another Chambers from the world's second largest economy have arrived the state with more business fortunes.

A delegation from Lianonig Chambers of Commerce, China led by its Managing Director, Mr. Wei Henghan, visited Calabar to explore areas of partnership with Cross River State and Nigeria at large.

Fielding questions from newsmen shortly on arrival at the Calabar Free Trade Zone, Henghan maintained that their areas of interest will cover exploration of solid minerals, automobile, agriculture, manufacturing of building materials cum accessories and tourism.

He further disclosed that their visit to Cross River was intended to build on existing economic and trade relationship between Nigeria and China while other members of the delegation expressed their satisfaction with the reception accorded them by the government and people of the state.

To the Chinese, Cross River has all it takes to become the centre of economic activities in the country.

The Chairman/ Chief Executive Officer of Mark-Sino International FZE, Mr. Yang Wen Yi, said having being in the Calabar Free Trade Zone for 13 years, the visit of the delegation could not have come at a better time.

'I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Calabar as an investors' safe haven and business destination to any company due to its peaceful nature and immense natural resources' the chairman concluded.

The General Manager Mark-Sino International, Free Zone Enterprise, Calabar, Mr. Promise Okoi, explained that before the visit, a group of Chinese companies had expressed interest to invest in Nigeria particularly, Cross River State.

Okoi disclosed that arrangement were under way to secure an expanse of land by a Chinese company to establish a mechanized farm in the state as well as a substantial space for international standard hotel and conference Centre.

He explained that when completed, the projects would create over 5000 jobs for Nigerians.

General Manager, Calabar Free Trade Zone, Malam Sadiq Kassim, attributed the sudden interest expressed by the Chinese investors to invest in the country to the conducive business environment made possible by President Goodluck Jonathan led administration through its transformation agenda.

Kassim said when operational alongside other business empires attracted by the government, the country will be turned into an economic hub of the West African sub region.