Barely one week after Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State returned from China with the news of a Chinese investor who has indicated interest in establishing $1.5 billion factory in Aba, the management of Huajian Shoe Factory, Guangdong, China has paid a site visit to Abia State to ascertain the level of preparedness of the state to host the planned massive investment.
The Chairman of the Company, Zhang Huarong, said the essence of the visit was to seal the deal, which started during the Governor’s visit to his shoe factory in China, and to express his readiness to partner with Abia State to quickly deliver on the deal.
Huarong described Abia State as a beautiful and calm environment where business can thrive.
According to Huarong: “China has enjoyed a robust relationship with Nigeria and having a factory in Abia would build on the relationship as well as help accelerate the industrialization drive of the Governor.”
Huarong said he desires to not only be part of the technological development of Abia State and Nigeria, but to also share in its mining industry and commerce.
While describing Nigeria as an open market, he explained that the planned investment will project Abia State to the world, noting that Nigeria would be a major trade centre in the next 20 years as he sees a good future for the company in Abia State.
Ikpeazu, who hosted the visiting team at a Chinese-owned steel factory in Ukwa West area of Abia State, was elated at the visit and thanked the host factory, Inner Galaxy, which deals in recycling of metals for other products, including roofing sheets, iron and metal car parts fabrication.
He said he chose the venue to show the Chinese team that some of their brother investors were already on ground in Abia State and expressed delight at the level of infrastructure in the company, while also applauding the employment of many Abians at the factory.
He said: “With what Inner Galaxy is already doing in steel fabrics and manufacturing, it obvious that Chinese investors are already at home with Abia State interns of huge investments.
“The coming of Zhang Huarong and his team will boost the Aba leather and garment industry.
“We welcome them with our heart to come and invest and make in Aba.
“We also encourage our people to see their coming as healthy competition.”
