04 April 2013, Enugu – The Enugu State government has invited Swiss investors to come to the state and help in reviving the nearly-moribund coal industry in the state.
The government said it is ready do business with such investors.
Governor Sullivan Chime gave this assurance when he met with Dr. Hans-Rudolf Hodel, the Ambassador of Switzerland to Nigeria, Chad and Niger at Government House in Enugu.
Chime expressed regret that the coal industry had become moribund, even though it was a major source of income to the country and was the trade mark of the state.
“Coal was the major source of income to the state and the country in time past, but it is no longer effective now. If there is any Swiss company interested in reviving the coal industry, it is welcomed.
“We have not had any collaboration with Switzerland and we will look out for areas where we can do that to have closer ties,” the governor said.
Earlier, Hodel said the embassy would organise a seminar for Swiss businessmen and women based in Lagos in September.
He commended the state government for its giant strides in the development of infrastructure as well as tourism.
The ambassador said: “Since you have asked for ways to collaborate with us, we will look at how to partner with you.
“I want to applaud you because I have seen some stores and other things in Enugu, which I have not seen in Abuja and Lagos.”
Nigeria’s Ambassador to Switzerland, Mrs Fidelia Njeze, was present on the occasion.
