BY JENNIFER JOHN / OWERRI
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The construction of the second African Quality Assurance Center in Nigeria, spearheaded by Afreximbank has been flagged off in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State
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In his address during the flag off ceremony, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma said what Afreximbank has done by establishing the center done is to provide homegrown solution to challenges of trade in Africa and economic development.
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He recalled that most times, products for export from Africa, when subjected to inspection outside African countries, the result usually cames out negative, causing untold hardship to African traders.
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He said the facilities of the Afreximbank quality assurance center is of world class, and expressed no doubt that any certification derived from there will not be subjected to another examination, before transaction could be consummated.
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“Indeed my people are very happy. For Imo State to be number two in the series of beneficiaries to host this facility, my joy knows no bounds. My administration in Imo State, with its mantra of prosperity for all, is anchored along the stimulation of the economy and activation of business opportunities to; boost trade, create jobs and engage our people to have a more meaningful life”.
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He assured management of Afreximbank, that their decision to site the facility in Imo State will be justified, as according to him, Imo State is not only equidistant, in terms of the geography of the Southern Region, but is less than 64 nautical miles to the Sea and also boasts of an international passenger and Cargo airport which enjoys proximity to the center.
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“We are encouraging industries, we are encouraging export of non oil products and this facility will be on hand to facilitate trade.
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The governor appreciated the Afreximbank, through the Executive Vice President, for remembering Imo State, promising that the state will not take the privilege for granted.
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Uzodimma gave an assurance that the people of Ngor Okpala, Imo State and the government will give every necessary support for a seamless construction and operation of the facility, as it will be a win win situation for the government and people of Imo State.
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In her opening remarks, the Director, Export Development in Afreximbank, Mrs Oluranti Doherty said the main constraint faced by exporters in African countries, especially Nigeria in accessing international trade is compliance to standards and technical regulations in export market.
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She said it was reason Afreximbank decided to come up with the African Quality Assurance Center initiative which first center was established in Ogun State, Nigeria
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According to her, having realized that the center in Ogun will not be enough to serve the country, they decided to set up another center and Imo State was identified as a very strategic location to host the second African Quality Assurance Center.
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She said, not only will the center attract international experts to Imo State, it will help to position Imo State as a major export hub for Nigeria, appreciating Governor Hope Uzodimma for his untiring effort to make the dream a reality.
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Delivering a goodwill message, the Executive Vice President, Intra African Trade and Export Development, Afreximbank said the bank committed over $100m (One hundred million dollars) to the establishment of an internationally attested facilities across Africa, to offer quality certification services, as well as training for quality assurance.
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He said the aim is to ensure that products from Imo State, Nigeria and entire Africa attain acceptable/applicable international standards and technical regulations, thereby boosting export across member states.
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