1ST ANNIVERSARY: We' re Taking Proactive Steps To Revive Commercial Sector, Commissioner Duke
Ndifereke BASSEY
Reviving the commerce sector of the state has been an herculean task.
This is due to the neglect of the sector for over 10 years with attendant zero commercials activities across the state despite the vast human and natural endowments in the state.
However, the present Commissioner, Dr. Mrs. Abigail Duke, has set the ball rolling toward total rejuvenation and overhauling of the ministry to accelerating commercial activities to enhence economic growth Her proactive steps has led to: Added value to the office environment by giving it a face lift through painting of Prof. Eyo Ita House and thorough cleaning of the entire environment.
√Facilitation of business activities for MSMEs in the state at the 2023 Erecting Christmas Village by the Ministry providing space free of charge to small businesses to leverage on the end of year activities to increase sales and build networks.
√Held three quarter meetings of the Cross River State Export Promotion committee (SCEP) Where all state and federal governments line MDAs are represented, including the Nigeria Export Promotion Council.
√Worked with partners to develop the draft of the Cross River State Export Strategy, (No records before now)
√Held weekly management meeting every Monday; which gives the ministry a sense of direction and elicit commitment from staff.
√Visited the Nigeria Port authority, The Nigeria Custom Services, The Calabar Free Trade Zone and some companies to hold discussions on challenges/remedies to the usage of the Calabar Port.
√Had engagement with the Cameroonian and Equatorial Equinea Consul – Generals, to seek inter collaboration in the area of trade.
√Commenced engagement with different market associations beginning with Calabar.
Other parts of the State are equally captured in the plan and will be engaged.
√Printing of Business Registration Certificates; to replace the obsolete ones that are over 20 years old.
√Engagement with Critical Stakeholders in the Maritime Industry, being the first time in the State, where the State Government ministry or agency had such engagement.
√Hosting of the policy dialogue on the demystification of the business facilitation (miscellaneous provision) Act 2022 and Development of Formal (Cross-Boarder) Trading Ecosystem.
√Led the World Bank Trade Team and the Federal Ministry of Industries, Trade delegation to the MFUM Boarder in Etung LGA on formalising the informal trade between Nigeria are her neighbouring sister countries.
√Currently building partnership relationship with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees; for the integration of refugees into the business plan of the State.
√Worked very closely with the organized private sector – the Calabar Chamber of Coerce and the Ikom Chamber of Commerce.
