Igbo traders must move beyond Chinese competition – Otti

Abia State Governor Alex Otti called upon Igbo traders on Monday to expand their horizons beyond traditional trading and concentrate on manufacturing and digital commerce to thrive in the evolving global economy. Addressing the Igbo Day Lecture and Dinner organized by Ohanaeze Ndigbo Worldwide in Umuahia, the governor emphasized Abia and Igbo people's historical background in trading.

However, he stated they are moving away from conventional trading to manufacturing and technology-driven commerce. In response to concerns over Chinese traders competing with Igbo entrepreneurs in Lagos, Otti affirmed that Abia was transitioning from physical stores to digital delivery channels. He stated, “We are leaving that level of trading.

In Abia, we have markets. The markets are important. But we are moving from that level of marketing to manufacturing. So, this government is supporting manufacturing and driving digital delivery. We are leaving that physical store for digital delivery. So, when somebody talked about Alibaba, that is exactly where we are headed.”

Otti explained that digital commerce would enable Abia entrepreneurs to compete globally, stating, “So, why are the Chinese coming to compete with us? We are moving away from there. And it’s going to start in Abia. “The administration is investing heavily in digital skills for young people, with some Abians already working for global technology companies from Aba under the TechRise initiative.

Otti highlighted the theme of the celebration, “Unity is Supreme,” as fitting, emphasizing unity in diversity. He assured that Abia would continue to undergo significant transformation under his administration.