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The Cross River State Government has expressed its readiness to partner the National Association of Small and Medium Enterprises (NASME) to develop small and medium scale businesses in the state.
Governor Ben Ayade made this known in Calabar the cross river state capital, assured the group that his government has put institutional frameworks in collaboration to develop small medium enterprises.
Ayade who was represented by the Commissioner, Ministry of International Development Cooperation, Dr Inyang Asibong said the visit of the group will provide a forum for interaction, and adoption of a concerted approach to issues of strategic importance to the development of MSMEs in the state.
In her words “NASME is the only Nigerian private sector -led BMO affiliated to the World Association of Small & Medium Enterprises (WASME) enjoying consultative status with the United Nations.
“Cross River State is proud to associate with NASME because of its strategic importance and status as a unit of Business Membership Organization (BMO) assisted through strategic collaborations with UNIDO, UNDP, IFC, Federal Ministries, several embassies and bilateral Chambers of Commerce on its various projects.
“Our vision and mission to make Cross River State a one stop Business Hub through various variables introduced as part of Ease of Doing Business Strategy, requires NASME”
The NASME State Chairman, Mr James Alicha who was ably represented by Mrs Ekaete Ukpong and her team member, Chineye Uzor amongst others said the group was committed to further advancing the state brand by providing high-quality and responsive services in building and strengthening partnerships in order to change the mindset of small scale business owners in Cross River.
The visit was attended by Hon. Marjorie Asuquo – Special Adviser to the Governor on Enterprise Funding, Sir John Odo, DG – CRGIA and Mr Julius Agrinya of Smart City Network amongst other top Government appointees.
