The Ambassador of Denmark to Nigeria Jesper Kamp has expressed his country’s desire to work with Plateau State Government towards reviving the Jos International Breweries (JIB) and Brewery Agro and Research Company (BARC FARMS).
In a statement released by The Director of Press and Public Affairs to Governor Lalong, Makut Simon Macham, the Danish envoy gave the indication when he received Governor Simon Lalong who paid him a visit at the Embassy in Abuja.
He said his Mission will work to facilitate the interface between Plateau State and Danish investors who have a lot of experience in agriculture, Brewery and manufacturing among others.
He said since Danish investors were involved in setting up JIB and BARC Farms which attained national and international many years ago, there is a strong basis for his country to join hands with the Plateau State Government to revive the two companies for Job creation and employment.
On livestock business and dairy production, the Ambassador said his country has enermous expertise in modern ranching practices which it has already committed to share with Nigeria through an MOU that was signed between the two countries.
He further states that his Mission is particularly interested in joining hands with the Plateau State Government towards actualising the National Livestock Transformation Program. He said having done a pilot ranching program in Kaduna State, the next destination is Plateau where the weather, land, and other incentives are conducive for livestock and dairy business.
Responding, Governor Lalong told the Ambassador that his visit was primarily to seek collaboration towards revival of the two moribund companies which have a huge potential for job creation and poverty alleviation.
He said the State Government acquired BARC Farms which was sold many years ago and still maintains majority shares in JIB which it is ready to divest to core investors.
Lalong said the Government has also provided the basic infrastructure, security and incentives for investors, and is willing to go into public private partnerships where necessary to be able to achieve its objectives of boosting the economy of the State.
He expressed excitement of the possibility of Danish companies keying into the National Livestock Transformation Program which will soon be implemented in Plateau State on its reserves in Kanam and Wase Local Government Areas.
The Governor was accompanied on the visit by the Managing Director of the Plateau Investment and Property Development Company, Mr. Chrysogonus Yilzak and some of his aides.
