The Bayelsa State Government says it will institute policies and programmes that will encourage the growth of indigenous businesses as well as enhance the rapid turnaround of the state’s economy.
Governor Seriake Dickson made the declaration, when he undertook a tour of some of the exhibition stands at the ongoing International conference on Small and Medium enterprises at the Banquet Hall of Government House in Yenagoa.
He expressed confidence in the capacity of Bayelsans to participate in the emerging economy of the State, which he noted, has been reinforced by the number of Bayelsa entrepreneurs and the quality of wares that were put on display at the exhibition.
“Today my faith and confidence in the capacity of our people to participate in our economy has been reinforced. What we have seen is a tip of the iceberg.” He declared.
The state governor asserted that various businesses of international repute definitely will spring forth, because of the Bayelsa spirit.
“Businesses of International repute will spring forth because of the Bayelsa ingenuity. Already, the world is getting to know and notice them. Their products are already found in exclusive shops in the world and some have started receiving international acclaim,” the Governor remarked.
Governor Dickson attributed the rapid growth and successes of businesses in the state to the robust policies and programmes of the government to promote local enterprise.
According to him, “am left with no doubt at all, that Bayelsa will start to lead the way for other states to follow”
Speaking in the same vein, the Commissioner of Trade, Industry and Investment, Kemela Okara, said the state government wants to grow the private sector, adding that, everything possible was being done in that regard.
In the financing of private enterprise, the commissioner explained that the state government has a short term plan to create access to finance for those with business plans, stating that incubation centres will be put in place to nurture businesses to attain desired heights.
He added that “to get financing, you have to have a good business plan. The Government will help the private sector in order to help the economy grow”.
On how to assist Bayelsans, Okara explained that, the government will assist by teaching people how to put good business plans together, that will build their capacity and business management skills as well as access to finance.
