By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
Governor Francis Nwifuru-led administration has reassured the members of the Ebonyi Association of Small and Medium Enterprises, EBASME of his avowed assistance to develop their businesses in the state.
The Ebonyi State Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Dr Leonard Uguru made the pledge when visited by the EBASME members in his office, Ochudo Centenary City, Abakalkiki.
Uguru expressed joy over the formation of the Association and commended the geographical spread of the executive positions.
"I'm happy for the geographical spread of the members, particularly the officials. I'm aware of this association and I will liaise with the right authorities to know how to assist you to develop your businesses in this state.
"Your Chairman while reading his address requested for partnership in all the programmes of government geared towards SME development in the state.
"But the one that is bleeding right now is the NG-Cares, it's not late because we know how to accommodate you," the Finance Commissioner pledged.
Also, the State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Chief Oguzor Offia Nwali who was present during the courtesy visit assured the EBASME members of accommodating them, while emphasizing the need to use identifiable business operations with an accessible address as a criterion for assessing SME facilities in the state.
Earlier in his address, the EBASME Chairman, Joseph Erishi commended Commissioner Uguru and his staff for their commitment towards the development of the state since this administration came on board.
He noted that EBASME focuses on business networking, ensures the development of SMEs, and serves as a power of joint efforts for the growing entrepreneurs, business exposures and knowledge resources sharing among the members.
Arishi while enumerating the challenges facing the EBASME members in Ebonyi which included unfriendly taxation, polarisation of business associations, energy development and security issues called for government partnership with them to assess single-digit interest SME funds.
He equally called for the inclusion of his members in government-sponsored trade missions, and the accommodation of genuine and active entrepreneurs for SME fund and NG-Cares programmes, among others.
