Cross River Strengthens Bilateral Ties with Bangladesh

Ebi COLLINS
In a significant move to enhance bilateral relations, Cross River State Governor, Senator Bassey Edet Otu, recently met with the Bangladesh High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency Mr. Musudur Rahman, and members of his delegation in Abuja. The high-level discussions aimed to deepen economic and diplomatic ties between Cross River State and the People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
The meeting resulted in several strategic agreements, including: Cross River State will embark on a trade mission to Bangladesh to explore new economic opportunities and foster business collaborations; select Cross Riverians will undergo specialized training in Bangladesh to enhance skills and capacity building in key industries; state government has committed to leasing over four hectares of land to Bangladeshi multinational companies for investments in agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, electronics, ceramics, and the marine and blue economy industries.
Governor Otu also announced plans to host an International Investment Summit on Marine and Blue Economy in Calabar, leveraging Bangladesh’s expertise as a global leader in the sector. The summit will serve as a platform to showcase Cross River’s commitment to sustainable economic growth while attracting international investors.
Expressing optimism about the new partnership, Governor Otu stated that the agreements reached would not only strengthen ties between Cross River and Bangladesh but also create valuable economic opportunities for the state’s residents. He emphasized the importance of international collaborations in driving sustainable development.
The meeting was facilitated by Hon. Chris Mbu-Ogar, Special Adviser on National Assembly Matters, and Mrs. Sarah Archibong, Special Adviser, Cross River State Liaison Office, Abuja.