Delta State Governor, Dr. Emmanuel Uduaghan has advocated a national masterplan for the development of small and medium scale industries to stimulate economic growth and boost employment.

Governor Uduaghan who made the call on Wednesday, April 30, 2014 in Asaba while inspecting the Asaba Industrial Estate observed that SMEs can stimulate growth and development.

“There has to be a national master plan to encourage small and medium scale entrepreneurs to grow in the country especially with regards to funding and infrastructure as they will provide employment for women and youths and enhance economic growth,” the Governor said.

He explained that his administration was partnering with the Bank of Industry to provide funding for the development of Small and Medium scale enterprises in the state as part of the “Delta Beyond oil” initiative.

“There is a lot we can do outside oil and gas and we are trying to encourage small and medium enterprises so as to generate employment for our women and youths as you know government cannot provide employment for everybody,” he said.

The governor charged investors especially small and medium enterpreneurs to take advantage of the investors’ friendly environment of the state especially the Asaba Airport, the growing commercial activities in Asaba and the nearness of the state to the commercial city of Onitsha to invest in the state.

While commending one of the investors in the Asaba Industrial Estate, Hon. Paul Okpue, for his contributions towards the industrialisation of the state, the governor assured investors that his administration would provide the needed infrastructure to ensure the smooth function of the estate.

Hon. Okpue informed the governor that his factory specialises in the production of bamboo tiles and toothpicks and would soon start producing toothpicks for export.

He commended the state government and Bank of Industry for funding the development of his factory and encouraging small and large scale entrepreneurs in the state, adding that similar partnership should be extended by the Bank of Agriculture to farmers to enable them increase their yields and process their produce for the national and international markets.