From TCNEWS
The President of the Umuahia Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (UCCIMA), Dr. Catherine Chika Igbokwe, has called for stronger collaboration between the Abia State Government and the organized private sector to accelerate the state’s participation in global trade through initiatives like the Abia Export Laboratory Initiative.
The Abia Export Laboratory Initiative, a cornerstone of the state’s new economic direction, aims to bridge the capacity gap among local businesses and link them to global markets. UCCIMA’s renewed commitment to collaboration, inclusivity, and accountability marks a significant step toward leveraging this initiative for long-term economic impact.
Speaking at UCCIMA’s First Business Summit held in Umuahia on Monday, Dr. Igbokwe described the initiative as a transformative opportunity for local entrepreneurs and exporters, praising Governor Alex Otti’s administration for creating a fertile policy environment for business growth.
“The Abia Export Laboratory is a game-changer,” she said. “It brings cutting-edge technology, critical market linkages, and strategic capacity-building that will help Abia-based businesses compete globally.”
Dr. Igbokwe emphasized that to fully harness the benefits of the Export Laboratory and other state-led business reforms, a coherent institutional partnership is essential. She urged the government to consider policy frameworks that would allow UCCIMA greater revenue autonomy and capacity to support its members effectively.
“There is a need for policy alignment. The private sector can only thrive when supported by a responsive and cooperative public sector,” she added.
She also noted that the chamber’s renewed focus includes hosting more trade fairs, knowledge-sharing platforms, and engaging with global investors through trade missions and bilateral business dialogues.
This summit signifies a pivotal moment for Umuahia’s business landscape, blending visionary policy with grassroots mobilization to drive sustainable economic transformation.
To reposition the chamber, UCCIMA inaugurated two strategic committees during the event – Membership Drive, Mobilization, and Reconciliation Committee, chaired by Hon. Mmere Asonye and Finance Committee, led by Barr. Mrs. Akudo Amanamba, Ph.D.
In his acceptance speech, Hon. Asonye said the membership committee’s first priority is to reconnect with disengaged members and attract new ones by expanding outreach.
“Our focus is to build a bigger, stronger chamber by engaging small-scale business operators such as welders, artisans, and hawkers, those often left behind. UCCIMA should be a home for all entrepreneurs, not just the big players,” Asonye said.
The Finance Committee Chair, Barr. Amanamba, underscored the need for financial transparency and sustainable funding mechanisms that will enable the chamber to fulfill its mission.
“Good governance and financial accountability are key to building trust with both our members and potential partners. We must lead by example,” she stated.
Both committees committed to institutionalizing regular business summit, trade missions, and open forums that will enhance capacity-building, encourage policy advocacy, and elevate UCCIMA’s presence in the national and international business communities.
“We must be seen, known, and respected if we want to attract vital partnerships,” one stakeholder, Engr. Prof. Okezie Abarikwu noted, highlighting the importance of visibility and proactive engagement.
