Anambra State has netted about $1.7 billion investment inflow from local and international organisations, with the prospects of attracting more investments through the on-going investment networking and partnership summit with Thai investors.

Governor Willie Obiano made the disclosure while declaring open the four-day Anambra-Thailand Investment Summit in Awka, the state capital, on Tuesday. He said stronger collaboration with the delegates would help provide a permanent solution to the challenge of unemployment in the state.

Obiano also noted that the partnership would enhance effective harnessing of abundant resources that abound in the state to create wealth and generate employment opportunities in various sectors.

He stressed that his administration has a concrete vision and mission with clear formulas on how to deliver them to turn Anambra into a modern and economically successful state and a model in the country.

The governor explained that his government’s Four Pillars of Development and Enablers were designed to achieve comprehensive and integrated development that would open fresh windows of opportunity for wealth-creation, food security and increased Gross Domestic Product.

He stated that, with effective security network already in place and efforts towards boosting power supply, the state had become a fertile ground for viable investments.

Chief Obiano urged the delegates and their state counterparts to use the opportunity offered by the Summit to forge stronger business relations for mutual benefits.

Also speaking, the Thailand Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Chailert Limsomboon, recalled that after over 50 years of diplomatic relations with Nigeria, the country had remained a dependable ally of Thailand in global socio-economic activities and international politics.

He disclosed that the two countries exchange over one billion dollars and $700 million respectively each year in international trade.

Ambassador Limsomboon noted that the investment summit was a good initiative for better understanding and cooperation among people of Anambra State and Thailand.

In his speech, the Nigerian Ambassador to Thailand, Chief Chudi Okafor, said the visit of the Thai delegation was a confirmation that Governor Obiano’s desire to reposition the state was attracting global attention.

He stated that the visit would broaden bi-lateral cooperation and deepen cordial relationship, concrete investment and exchange of information.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce, Trade and Industry, Mr. Ifeatu Onejeme, pointed out that summit provided for networking and investment partnership that would provide a structured approach towards attracting more investments to the state.

•Photo shows Chief Willie Obiano, Governor of Anambra State, presenting a souvenir to the Thai Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Chailert Limsomboon during the Investment Summit held at the Finotel Hotel, Awka.