By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, has called on the United States Consul General, Mr Will Stevens, to partner with the state on development of export emporium.

He made the call when the Consular paid him a courtesy visit at the Governor’s Lodge in Amawbia on Friday.

Addressing journalists shortly after a closed-door meeting with Stevens, the Governor said their discussion centered on opportunities which abound in trade investment and technology innovations.

He stressed that Nigeria and the US have enjoyed very long beneficial relationship, spanning decades, adding: “We reviewed the kind of partnerships and programmes with Nigeria and state in particular and for us to explore further areas of corporation, especially in the areas of trade and investment.

“We had fruitful conversations around those areas of technology and innovation. We are developing an export emporium, to which we need a strong partnership with them.

“We also discussed about public health and public financing as well as reviewed preparations for this year's election.”

According to Soludo, “Government has some follow-up to do.”

In his speech, the US Consul General to Nigeria, Mr. Will Stevens, explained that the meeting was to review the relationship between the US and the Nigerian government with a view to fostering it.

He said: “It was a wonderful meeting with the Governor about the great work the US is doing with the government and people here. We talked about trade and investment and looking at exploring opportunities to expand that growth.

“Of course, we spoke about preparation for the important election and how the US has supported Nigeria's INEC, civil society, to prepare for what we hope to be free, fair, credible election, to represent the will of the Nigerian people,” he stressed.

“We will visit as often as we can. The relationship is really important. There are people who have studied and worked in the United States to bring the expertise back here, working with our universities together, in health sector, and others, to building up better governance and stronger civil society to protect and ensure that elections are credible,” he maintained.

Stevens expressed delight at the partnership bond, saying that it is something they are proud to strengthen.