The United Kingdom (UK) Deputy High Commissioner in Lagos, Nigeria, Jonny Baxtra, has assured his country’s readiness to trade with Enugu State, as well as promote the state’s products in the UK.

He made this known when he attended the Enugu State inaugural edition of Diaspora and Investment Roundtable yesterday, hosted by the Governor, Peter Mbah.

The envoy also commended the investment drive of the Governor Peter Mbah administration, noting that the state and Nigeria stood to benefit immensely from the Developing Countries Traders Scheme (DCTS), which places lower or zero tariffs on a wide range of products, including food items, not widely produced in the UK.

The stakeholder roundtable was an opportunity for high-level discussions on how to advance viable investment, boost trade and create more economic opportunities in Enugu State.

Delivering the opening remarks and highlighting the UK's new trade scheme, Baxter said: “My thanks to the Enugu State Government for putting together this timely gathering, which I hope will deepen investment and trade in the state.

“The UK wants to encourage British companies to invest in the region. Building a stronger and more conducive business environment is crucial to this, and we look forward to working with the Enugu State government to do so.

“The UK’s new Developing Countries Trading Scheme harnesses the power of trade to help Nigeria, including Enugu State, achieve its private sector-led economic transformation agenda. The UK is keen to maximize uptake of the DCTS.

“Crops such as cashew and plantain predominantly farmed in Enugu and other southeastern states, could be among the products exported to the UK based on market demand in both Nigeria and the UK.”