Governor Simon Lalong of Plateau state has expressed the readiness of the state government to partner with France, in potato production and value chain development.
The governor stated this in a press release by his Director of Press and Public Affairs, Dr. Makut Macham, on Monday, in Jos.
The statement said Lalong and his Cross River counterpart, Mr. Ben Ayade had visited the French Embassy, to discuss with the Ambassador, Jerome Pasquier, and some investors from France, on areas of investment in potato production and value chain development.
He expressed the hope that his earlier visit to the ambassador in January, to intimate him of the vast potentials in agriculture, solid minerals, tourism and education, had begun yielding results.
He noted that in spite COVID-19 restrictions, the Ambassador was able to facilitate the visit of the investors from his country, to Plateau to assess areas of investment opportunities in the agricultural sector.
Lalong said that the Plateau Investment and Economic Summit, scheduled for September, was expected to further unlock the economic potentialities of the state and woo investors to establish their businesses in Plateau and creating job opportunities for residents.
Responding, the French Ambassador assured Lalong that the French investors were in the country specifically to look at agricultural opportunities in areas of potato farming, preservation and marketing.
He added that they would also assess investment opportunities of exotic crops and flowers that were in high demand globally, and that arrangements would be made to ensure mutual benefits to all parties.
The investors are expected to visit Plateau State for further engagements.
NAN
