AT least, five cottage industries are to     be set up in Akwa Ibom State before the end of this year, the state’s commissioner for commerce and industries, Dr. Emem Wills, has said.

The commissioner, who was speaking at an interactive/stakeholders’ session between members of the state executive council and the fact finding Akwa Ibom diaspora team, said the governor had mandated his ministry to work out modalities for the setting up of the cottage industries.

Wills said the massive infrastructural development witnessed in the state was a major step and a bold initiative of the Godswill Akpabio administration in attracting both foreign and local investments to the state.

Citing the power project, roads, airport and the Tropicana  Entertainment Centre currently being executed by the state government, the commerce and industry boss noted that the critical infrastructure vigorously pursued by the government were major factors that will trigger investments.

He also announced plans by government to assist over 100 small and medium scale enterprises in the state.