SINGAPORE, May 17, 2012 – Government officials from Delta State, Nigeria, travelled to Singapore on May 7 to learn about the country’s successful experiences in industrial development, special economic zones, ports, and competitive clusters.
The Governor of Delta State, Dr Uduaghan, and high-level commissioners comprised the 19-person delegation. The Competitive Industries Practice of the World Bank Group in Singapore led the study visit, which was jointly organized with the Civil Service College of Singapore and International Enterprise Singapore.
“The week is a gold standard on how to further economic development in a pragmatic manner. It also highlights the commitment of the Governor of the Delta State by bringing his best and brightest to immerse in Singapore. The delegation was able to leverage the World Bank Group platform to dialogue with experts here,” said Parth S. Tewari, the World Bank’s Head of Competitive Industries Practice in Singapore.
The program was designed to support the policy makers behind the aspiration of ‘Delta State Beyond Oil’ and diversifying the economy. The delegates learned about how to use ‘skill’, ‘will’ and ‘access’ to turn their vision into an actionable plan that will address security, human capital, and infrastructure development needs.
At a private sector relationship building session, private companies in Singapore expressed interest in doing business in Delta State and forging relationships with the delegates.
The discussions held by the World Bank were supported by focused presentations by industrial park and township developers, such as Jurong Consultants, Surbana, and Sembcorp. The delegates were then brought to see industrial zones such as Jurong Island and Jurong Port, with a site visit to CrimsonLogic, a provider of eGovernment solutions.
“By learning from Singapore’s public sector reforms, initiative and management practices, Deltans at the driving seat of government policies and programs will be repositioned to fast track development, attract more investors, and create employment,” said Dr Uduaghan.
The Governor called on the World Bank to give technical assistance that will equip government officials with the capacity to better cope with global challenges.
The World Bank’s Competitive Industries Practice, which is part of the Financial and Private Sector Development Vice Presidency Unit, was launched in Singapore in March 2012. The Competitive Industries Practice, through client engagements and a knowledge development agenda, is using an industry lens to assist client countries sequence and prioritize the investment of financial, political, and human capital. Through combined efforts and a growing global portfolio of lending and advisory services, the Practice helps client countries build the foundations of competitiveness by improving their investment climate, infrastructure, skills, technology, and access to finance.
