Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has assured multi-sectoral investors from China that his administration would support them to set up businesses in the state’s Free Trade Zone and other industrial hubs.
The governor gave the assurance while hosting the investors, who paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House, Osogbo.
A statement released by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Olawale Rasheed, obtained in Osogbo on Friday, said Adeleke, during the visit, also highlighted Osun’s business opportunities and its high rating on the ease of doing business, calling on genuine investors to establish businesses in the state.
Adeleke told the delegation that Osun was bridging infrastructural deficits to ease the business environment, while the state’s Free Trade Zone has several openings for willing investors.
He also said some investors have commenced work at the Trade Zone and other industrial hubs across the state, commending the Chinese delegation for selecting Osun as an investment destination.
“You are warmly welcome to the state of the living spring. We are fixing our roads, bridges, schools, utilities, and health infrastructures among others. We know good infrastructure facilitates business and economic growth. Hence, we are reducing the Osun infra deficit.
“We harmonise and automate our tax regime. This has reduced the pressure on Osun businesses. We implemented a 48-hour regime for the acquisition of certificates of occupancy (CofO) under an automated regime. Our ease of doing business rating is very high.
“So you have come to the right place. Our Ministry of Commerce and Industry is run by a team with international exposure. You will be granted the best of support and facilitation services by our government,” the governor said.
Earlier, while speaking on behalf of the management of Shanghai Fadewei International Trade Company Limited, Dr. Yusuf Fadairo, said the “Chinese team picked Osun due to their love for the popular artist, David Adeleke,” popularly known as Davido, and multiple reports of good governance delivered by the governor.
“We have inspected the zone and we are satisfied with the utilities and facilities. We are set to act once all other regulatory issues are concluded,” he said.
Olawale’s statement said other members of the visiting team include: Mr. Zheng Lifa (Amusement Park Building and Operation), Mr. Zhai Yikang (Paint Production), Mr. Yu Lu (Paint Production), Mr. Yao Weide (Electric Tricycle), Prince Charles Ajiboye (Logistics Manager) and Mr. Bamigboye Olabode (Company Engineer), Shanghai Fadewei International Trade Company Limited.
“The Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo, broadcast entrepreneur, Femi Adefila, and other top government functionaries witnessed the courtesy visit,” the statement added.
The visit by the Chinese investors came after the state government had announced that a Turkish furniture company would commence production in the state.
With the development, the government said its efforts to get foreign investors to set up businesses in the state were beginning to yield positive results.
The PUNCH reported on October 17 that the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Bunmi Jenyo, made the announcement while unveiling a document that provides information about the organisation and investment opportunities that will be available in the forthcoming 2025 Osun Trade Fair.
Jenyo, who said another United Kingdom-based company had approached the government to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, maintained that the Ademola Adeleke administration would continue to push for foreign investment in the state to create jobs and secure a market for available raw materials.
The commissioner, who challenged local business operators in the state to avail themselves of the opportunities that the influx of foreign investors into Osun would create, assured them of the government’s readiness to provide a conducive environment and policies designed to stimulate business growth.
