FG commits to successful hosting of palm oil conference

[FMINigeria]

The Minister of State for Industry, Trade and Investment, Samuel Ortom has expressed Government's commitment to successful hosting of the 1st International Palmoil Produce Conference which would hold in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State in October, 2013.

The Minister made this known during the visit by stakeholders led by the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Martyns Udo-Inyang to his office in Abuja on Monday September 23, 2013.

In his remarks during the visit, Samuel Ortom said that the Ministry will partner with the Akwa Ibom State Government and other relevant stakeholders to ensure the successful hosting of the conference which seeks to expose participants to different investment opportunities in the palm oil sector of the economy.

The Minister commended the Akwa Ibom State Government for her commitment and willingness to host participants from home and abroad to brainstorm on the challenges as well as prospects in the sector.

"The conference will among other things harness the activities of plantation owners, processors, researchers, investors and marketers with a view to utilizing their efforts towards efficient and effective practice to improve investment opportunities," the Minister revealed.

According him, "there is no reason for us to fail on this assignment. Some of those things that would have been a challenge have already being taken care of by the Akwa Ibom state government."

While delivering his speech, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee, Joseph Apanisile, who is the Director of the Commodity and Products Inspectorate, said that the committee will work closely with the Akwa Ibom State Government to guarantee successful hosting of the palm oil conference. He expressed hope that with technocrats drawn from agencies and the organised private sector to plan the event, active participation by local and international stakeholders would be attained. Apanisile added that the committee will ensure the exhibition of relevant products and equipment during the conference.

Also speaking earlier, the Akwa Ibom State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Martyns Udo-Inyang assured the committee of the readiness of the State Government to host the conference. He expressed their willingness to cooperate with the Committee towards guaranteeing that international standards are attained.

"I am impressed and optimistic that the quality and diversity of the stakeholders in the committee will bring success to the event. I believe that in the near future palm produce will replace oil and create jobs, wealth and alleviate poverty in Nigeria," he stressed.

Source: FG commits to successful hosting of palm oil conference
Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria