No fewer than 60 per cent of the new shopping mall under construction in Ebonyi State has been taken over by the Chinese companies for their showrooms, production and manufacturing of sandals and solar lights.
Governor Dave Umahi stated this when he received a team of Chinese investors who paid him a courtesy call at government house Abakaliki on Wednesday.
According to the governor, the state and some Chinese investors have entered into a partnership for technology and sustainable development of the state as technology transfer has become a fulcrum on which the development is hinged.
He also noted that a memorandum of understanding has been signed between the state government and the Chinese investors.
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“They have also agreed in assembling, manufacturing, processing firms in the state.
“The company producing solar lights also produces Light Emitting Diodes (LED), their lights are durable. They sold us the light we used in our street lights, and for over two years plus, the lights are there. They will decorate our facilities with their technology.
“We also have the shoe manufacturing company from China, they said they will start with sandals manufacturing.
“We have also given the first year rent-free to the Chinese companies, they have already taken over about 60 per cent of the new shopping mall for their manufacturing and showroom.
“We entered into a partnership with them – if we buy anything from them, they must establish the same company in Ebonyi State. This is binding between us and this is why they are here today.”
Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Jiang Xia pledged the investors unalloyed commitments to the partnership with the state government in the area of technology transfer to create a synergy for sustainable development of the state.