The Rivers State Tourism Development Agency (RSTDA) has teamed up with My-ACE China, also known as the Mayor of Housing, in an exciting new partnership aimed at revitalizing tourism and entertainment in the region. This collaboration is set to give a significant boost to the local economy and improve the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) in Rivers State.
The partnership was unveiled at a recent event in Port Harcourt, following the Rivers State Economic and Investment Summit, which concluded on May 23, 2024. During the event, RSTDA’s Director-General, Mr. Yibo Koko, outlined the initiative as a “low-hanging fruits” approach, highlighting the easily accessible opportunities that can be leveraged to rejuvenate the state’s economy.
Koko introduced My-ACE China, the CEO of Housing and Construction Limited, who has shown remarkable potential and enthusiasm for this project. This partnership also piqued the interest of several banks, which have expressed willingness to collaborate with the agency to realize Governor Siminalaye Fubara’s vision for the tourism sector.
Reflecting on the state’s history, it’s clear that tourism once played a pivotal role in Rivers State’s economy. During its heyday, the state was a leader in entertainment and tourism, outshining other regions. The RSTDA aims to rekindle this success by harnessing the creative economy.
Mr. Koko emphasized the significant outcomes of the Rivers State Economic Summit and the Creative Art segment. The Mayor of Housing was a key participant in the creative economy panel, a role that catalyzed the decision to pursue the “Low Hanging Fruits Initiative.” This initiative aims to spotlight the state’s burgeoning opportunities and drive economic growth through entrepreneurship and investment.
The Mayor of Housing, in China, expressed his excitement about the partnership with the RSTDA. He recounted his initial foray into the estate business in Abuja and the challenges he faced when considering expansion into Port Harcourt in 2021. Back then, concerns about security in Garden City were rampant, and his team was apprehensive.
“We debated the risks, and it was decided that I would take the lead. If anything happened to me, the company would reconsider its plans,” he shared.
China is optimistic that collaborative efforts in tourism and entertainment will usher in substantial development and positively impact Rivers State’s economy. This partnership marks a significant step towards restoring the state’s former glory as a hub of tourism and entertainment.
Focusing on these strategic initiatives, Rivers State aims to attract more investors and entrepreneurs, fostering a vibrant and sustainable economic environment.
