Chinese firms to set up handset plant @ Akwa-Ibom

IN continuation of the inflow of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in the country, plans have been concluded by the two Chinese electronic firms to set up plant in Akwa-Ibom for the manufacturing of mobile phone handsets.

This is coming as the Chinese firms, China Electronics Corporation and China and China Jinshilin Techno have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Government of Akwa-Ibom State through its Ibom Science Park Company Limited.

The plant touted to be of world class is expected to soon swell the African mobile phone marketing and distribution arena.

Slated to be sited at Akwa Ibom Science Park, Uyo, the plant is billed to be of appealing value to be attractive and drive value to its shareholders.

Champion Infotel gathered that China Jinshilin Techno and China Electronics Corporation, Shanghai were represented at the signing ceremony in Akwa-Ibom by the General Managers, Mr. Zhang Zuoping, and Min Sheng Ni, respectively.

While the State Commissioner of Science and Technology, Dr. Linus Asuquo, stood in for the Ibom Science Park, which is expected to actualize the manufacture of cell phone casing in Akwa Ibom in the next six months.

The Chinese firm representatives also examined the site of the Science Park, and commended the State government on what they saw, just as they assured on their part to ensure that the plant takes off as planned.

In his comment after the signing ceremony, the State Commissioner, Dr. Asuquo, expressed appreciation on the investors’ interest for creating ideas, which are aimed at the technology development of the state.

He also commended Gov Victor Attah for his foresight and support in establishing the Ibom Science Park, which he said, is the first of its kind on the continent.

He equally disclosed that plans are up to make Ibom Science Park a free trade zone where all Information and Communication Technology (ICT) components imported for the development of the park would be tax-free.

Information Technology Consultant to Akwa Ibom State, and Executive Vice Chairman, Teledom Group International, Dr. Emmanuel Ekuwem, noted that the state is prudently investing its cash from petroleum into other areas that would sustain the wealth of knowledge and creativity for her people, in preparation for the rainy days.

He pointed out that this was why Teledom Group is keen in partnering the state on the project.
“I congratulate Obong Victor Attah for his vision, courage and patriotism in embarking on the Ibom Science Park Project” he asserted.

Champion Infotel authoritatively gathered that other co-tenants of the park would include CISCO Systems, which is billed to host the network academy, Vee Network (Vmobile Nigeria), Omatek Computers Limited, Teledom Group, among several others entities.