18th October, 2023
By Jethro Ibileke
Arrangements are in top gear by Foton Motor Group, an international vehicle manufacturing firm, to establish a world-class vehicle assembling and manufacturing plant in Edo state.
This is a fallout of a collaboration between the motor manufacturing company and the Edo State government.
The Managing Director of the Edo State Investment Promotion Office (ESIPO), Kelvin Uwaibi, disclosed this in a statement Tuesday evening.
Uwaibi noted that the partnership will create training and employment opportunities, as well as help reduce the cost of vehicles in Nigeria and Africa.
He said: “Foton Motor Group has traded with Nigeria in the past; however, they will commence manufacturing their products in Nigeria by establishing an automobile assembling factory in Edo State.
“Edo State will provide the necessary support to ensure that the factory is established, and in turn, they will provide support through strategies and investments to alleviate car-related issues in Nigeria and Africa.”
Uwaibi explained further that for Edo, the investment will bring about capacity building and training for young people and ensure that vehicles and spare parts are more affordable for Edo residents and Nigerians at large.
On his part, the Project Manager of Foton Motor Group, Jimmy Liuo, said, “The vehicle assembling company in Edo is going to be a long-term investment and will contribute to economic development in Nigeria.
“We are in Edo State because of its business-friendly environment. We will bring top brands from China like Micro, Light, and Heavy-duty trucks and CNG to Nigeria to reduce the cost of vehicles in Nigeria.”
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