UK Establishes Visa Application Centre in Enugu

•Indonesia to deepen trade, investment relations with state govt

Gideon Arinze in Enugu

The United Kingdom has established a visa application center in Enugu state.

Confirming the development in a commendation message signed by Secretary to the State Government, Chidiebere Onyia yesterday, the Enugu State government said the center would facilitate visa applications by residents in the state, the South-East zone, and the country at large.

Onyia, said the visa center was part of the state Governor, Peter Mbah’s earlier requests during the visit to the Government House, Enugu, by the UK High Commissioner to Nigeria, Dr Richard Montgomery, in June this year.

“It is expected that the center would further enhance economic partnership and cultural exchanges between Enugu State and the United Kingdom and we look forward to a strong, mutually beneficial relationship with the UK, as the visa center would help cement the relationship,” the statement added.

The government also called on the people, especially those residing in the south-east to avail themselves of the opportunity provided to file their visa applications in the state, noting that the government would ensure improved security both to residents and visitors carrying on business in the state.

Meanwhile, Indonesian has expressed interest in deepening relations with the Enugu state government to boost trade, investment and other socio-economic spaces that would be of mutual benefits to both entities.

The Asian country’s ambassador to Nigeria, Usra Harahap, made this known yesterday, when he led a team of senior delegates from the Republic of Indonesia to the state on a business and working visit to Mbah at the Government House in Enugu.

The ambassador noted that investments in the state and frequent exchange of contacts would not only cement the bilateral ties but equally create more opportunities for mutual growth and prospects of further investments in the future.

“The potential for collaboration between Indonesia and Enugu State is immensely spanning across Enugu State in many sectors,” he said.

“Firstly, in the area of trade and investment, we see great opportunities for future growth. Our country can benefit from increased trade, the exchange of knowledge, and collaborative investment venture,”.

The ambassador also used the opportunity of the visit to invite Mbah and the Enugu business community to participate in the Trade Expo, which would be held from 18th to 22nd October, 2023, in the city of Indonesia.

“This Expo will provide a unique platform for you to meet the Indonesia businessmen, and also be exposed to our services and business opportunities that can be mutually beneficial,” he said.

Usra, also expressed Indonesia’s desire to invest in the energy and mining sectors in the state, as according to him, Enugu was rich in mineral resources, agriculture as well and tourism, which would serve as additional sources of revenue.

He maintained that Indonesia has many interests in broadening the collaboration in energy, agriculture, health sector, as well as creative economy.

In his response, Mbah commended the ambassador and his team for picking special economic interests in the state, saying his administration was not only ready to partner with Indonesian investors but had equally provided the enabling environment to welcome them to the state.

The governor maintained that the state had an array of investment opportunities such as the sector-based productivity belt, minerals and energy sector, including coal and oil and gas with large deposits in different locations in the state.

“Enugu State is blessed with minerals such as limestone, gypsum, clay mineral, glass sand, and one of the cleanest coal deposits in the world”. “Over 300,000 hectares of land had been designated as a special economic zone for agro-allied processing industry and other investment prospects”.