The Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Okechukwu Enelama, has announced the approval of the Presidential Business Enabling Environment Council chaired by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

Enelama, who announced the approval by President Muhammad Buhari at a town hall meeting in Enugu on Monday, noted that the idea was to identify the various problems people faced that hindered their businesses from thriving.

“In order to implement the plan, the Federal Government will provide power, good road network and logistics for businesses to thrive.

“Two of the industrial zones and parks will be located in the South East because South East is the home for hard working and industrious people.

“We will also provide for the automobile sector where every interested individual or organisation will take part. The Federal Government will have specialised centres for all the sectors.

“We have discussed with many investors in China who agreed to come and use Nigeria as their export points for various businesses.

“In the 2016 budget, a lot of SMEs projects were included like the artisans and other small scale businesses.”

Enelama said that countries like China, Brazil, India, US and UK promised to enhance business relationships between their countries and Nigeria.

He said that the government would create the enabling environment for both local and foreign investors to thrive.

Enelama said that the ministry had identified five areas to be tackled for businesses to thrive in the country.

He listed the areas to include the creation of enabling environment, the Nigeria Industry Revolution Plan, the industrial zones/parks and the promotion of small and medium enterprises.

The minister explained that the government could not do business for people but would stretch its helping hand for businesses to grow. (NAN)

•Photo shows Dr. Enelama.

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