Anambra state government has joined in the African Continental Free trade Agreements.
The State Commissioner for Agriculture, Chief Nnamdi Onukwwuba, disclosed this during a meeting on Africa’s Free Trade Agreements held at Government House Conference Hall, Awka.
Commissioner Onukwwuba explained that the meeting would enable stakeholders to atticulate how Anambra state, as Sub Authority, will key into Africa Continental Free trade Agreements.
He maintained that with Free Trade Agreements , countries can import and export goods without any tariff barriers or other non-tariff barriers to trade.
Mr Onukwwuba explained that free trade reduces the price of imported good, and enables consumers to enjoy increased living standards after the purchase of import, they have more left over income to spend on other goods, as according to him, free trade leads to competition.
Commissioner Onukwwuba also advised all processors, producers and the Chambers of Commerce in the state to key into free trade Agreements to enable
them exports top grade products to other countries.
He enjoined the state traditional rulers to also key into free trade, and further urged them to also donate lands for agricultural production and processes.
Contributing the Managing Director, Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) Mr Jide Ikeakor, appreciated Governor Willie Obiano for championing the cause of Agriculture in the state and harped on areas of competitive advantage they can bring to table as a state.
He pointed out that free trade is the strategic frame work for delivery on Africa’s goal for inclusive and sustainable development.
Mr Ikeakor called on stakeholders to work together to achieve success as free trade enables lower prices for consumers, increased export, benefits from economies of scale and greater choice of goods.
