Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara on Tuesday said his government would soon establish an export processing zone in the state.

Ahmed made this known on Tuesday in Ilorin while receiving management of the Bank of Industry (BOI) led by its Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Mr Olukayode Pitan.

According to him, the processing zone will encourage exportation of goods from the state and its neighbouring states to enhance its internal generated revenue and boost the state economic activities.

Ahmed said that arrangement was on top gear to fast-track the development of the free trade zone in the state.

“The state government has made initial submissions through the Bank of Industry.

“I hope to follow it up in areas where the state will be able to create export processing zone through key anchor tenants which is already on ground,” he said.

The governor, who highlighted the importance of the free trade zone, said that his government would spare no effort to ensure that the plan becomes a reality.

Ahmed said that the zone would generate more job opportunities for the youth across the state as a result of economic activities from the zone.

“The plan to have an export processing zone in the state is part of the government’s plan to turn around the socio-economic activities of the state,” he said.

Ahmed solicited for further support from the BoI for upcoming entrepreneurs in the state.

Earlier, Pitan praised the state government for its various supports to the Small and Medium Enterprises in the state.

He said the Bank had more than N12 billion facilities in the state, explaining that N9 billion had been distributed to various companies in the state and promised to do more.

Pitan called for more partnership with the state to boost the state economy for sustainable growth and development.