Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, has stated that 2000 direct jobs will be created in the state when the agricultural project by Korean Investors comes to fruition.
Governor Wike who was speaking during a Courtesy Visit by Korean Investors in Agriculture at the Government House Port Harcourt on Saturday, said that the administration places premium on agriculture.
The governor said agriculture will be developed by the State Government in liaison with private investors to create jobs across the state.
He assured the Korean Investors that the State Government will create an enabling environment for their company to thrive. He said a certificate of occupancy will be processed for the 10,000 hectares to be used by the company.
He said: “Our priority is how to attract investors to the state. Agriculture if well harnessed will be highest employer of labour after government. That is what we are trying to do.
“Rice production is very key. Ours is to make sure that the right environment is created for foreign investors to bring their funds to the state ”
The governor directed that details of further involvement of the State Government in the investment be worked out by the Commissioner of Agriculture, Commissioner of Commerce and the Attorney General of Rivers State in liaison with the investors.
In his remarks, Managing Director of Chang B2B Company Limited and Leader of Delegation, Mr Kim Kyochang assured that the company will invest in rice production in Emohua Local Government Area.
He said that over the last 50 years, South Korea has witnessed massive development, noting that his company like others have committed themselves to investments outside South Korea.
The Wike administration has developed a framework to promote foreign direct investments in the state, especially in the agricultural sector where a flexible land acquisition scheme has been entrenched.