PATRICK ABANG, Calabar –
The Nigerian Export Promotion Council, (NEPC) has affirmed that there are various economic opportunities available in the rubber industry in Cross River State if well exploited.
The Regional Coordinator of NEPC South South Regional Office, Mr Joe Itah, stated this while speaking on the topic: “Unveiling the Trade Exports Opportunities in Rubber Sub-sector for Economic Growth of Cross River State”.
This was part of activities marking Cross River State Rubber Week 2021 with the theme The Place of Rubber in Cross River State Industrial Development and Regeneration of Degraded Lands for Restoration of Ecosystem Organized by National Rubber Producers Processor and Marketing Association of Nigeria(NARPPMAN) Cross River State in Collaboration with Cross River State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resource at Kola nut Conference and Event Center, Barracks Road, Calabar.
The event attracted over 100 participants drawn from various government agencies, foreign partners, financial institution, rubber companies and associations.
In his paper presentation, Mr. Irah said there are numerous economic benefits in planting rubber in the state.
Also speaking Rev. Umoh Inameti, State’s Chapter Chairman of NARPPMAN, said currently, there are over 500 registered members drawn from the three senatorial district in the state
According to him, the conference was to bring a fire critical pragmatic methods required to reposition the ailing rubber subsector to play a leading role in the industrilization agenda as well as the restoration of the ecosystem in Cross River State.
He said the conference holds special value because it is the first time ever to be organized in Cross River State, to discuss the future development of rubber being one of the most economically important tree crops in the state.
In attendance were the following dignitaries – Hon Okon Owuna, Commissioner of Agriculture & Natural Resource, Barr. (Mrs) Rosemary Archibong, the Commissioner of Commerce CRS, Otunba Prince Igbinosun ldowu, the National President NARPPMAN, Rev Umo Inameti the State Chairman NARPPMAN.