The Cross River State and Australian governments are exploring areas of investment collaborations.
Australia, which is taking advantage of the peaceful investment climate in the state, is planning investments in solid minerals, agriculture, fabrication and energy sectors.
Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Jonathan Richardson, spoke yesterday in Calabar, the state capital, when he visited Governor Ben Ayade.
The envoy said Australia, which had pitched its business tents in parts of the country, was willing to collaborate with the state to develop some sites and turn them into viable business ventures.
He noted that Cross River State was a secure and safe part of the country, making it more suitable for investment.
Richardson promised to take advantage of the peace in the state to attract investors.
The envoy said a group of Australian businessmen would visit the state for the formal signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to kick-start various businesses of mutual benefits to both parties as well as create jobs.
Ayade said the partnership with the Australian government would boost his administration’s economic agenda aimed at turning the state into an investment hub in sub-Sahara Africa.
He said: “We would like to collaborate with the Australian government to explore existing business opportunities in the state, with particular focus on the establishment of a fabrication yard. This is very few in the country; existing ones are located in Lagos.”
Ayade said the state planned to take advantage of the huge market in the sector and explore the Mining sector.
He added: “From our investigation and findings, there is a huge deposit of gold and tantalite in commercial quantity at Uyanga, Akamkpa Local Government Area. This is why we are seeking competent miners to invest in this endowment to boost our revenue profile as well as create jobs for youths. This is even more important to us as a government.”