The Kwara Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (KWACCIMA) has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening the organised private sector and creating more opportunities for trade and investment in the state.

The President and Chairman of the Council of the Chamber, Engr. Abu Salami, made this known on Thursday at the opening session of KWACCIMA's 56th Annual General Meeting held at the chamber's secretariat, Afon Junction, Ganmo, Kwara State.

Salami said the chamber would continue to advocate policies that promote investment, improve the ease of doing business and create an enabling environment for businesses to thrive.

He noted that despite the economic challenges confronting businesses across the country, KWACCIMA had remained committed to promoting the interests of the organised private sector through advocacy, partnerships and strategic initiatives.

According to him, the chamber organised and participated in several programmes during the year under review, covering commerce, industry, agriculture, mining and entrepreneurship.

He identified the chamber's collaboration with the Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre and the successful Indonesia Business Forum in Ilorin as major achievements that created new opportunities for trade and investment between businesses in Kwara and international partners.

"We strengthened our relationship with government institutions, corporate organisations, development partners and diplomatic missions," he said.

The KWACCIMA president also disclosed that the chamber had intensified its membership drive and encouraged greater participation by sectoral associations, while providing platforms for business networking, investment promotion and enterprise development.

Salami attributed the chamber's achievements to the commitment of its members, Executive Council, Secretariat staff and partners.

He further announced that preparations were underway for the 13th Kwara Trade Fair, which he said would showcase the state's economic and investment potential while providing businesses with opportunities for growth and expansion.

He said KWACCIMA was determined to reposition itself as one of Nigeria's leading chambers of commerce through innovation, strategic partnerships, institutional reforms, improved member services and sustainable programmes.

"Our vision is to build a stronger, more vibrant and more influential Chamber that will continue to serve as the foremost voice of the private sector in Kwara State," Salami said.