The influx of investors into Calabar,the Cross River State capital has been described as an effort that will make Calabar to become the first economic zone in the country thereby making investors to enjoy some certain percentage of federal government tax regime.

Governor Liyel Imoke Stated this in Calabar during the ground breaking of Calabar Retail Shopping Mall located within the Cultural centre.Correspondent Zubair Rasheed complete the story.

Performing the  groundbreaking of the private driven 7Billion Naira retail outlet in Calabar,Governor liyel Imoke said Cross River State and Calabar as become one of the preferred investment destination in Nigeria,adding that effort are in top gear to get the approval from the federal government to Make Calabar the first economic Zone in Country.

While commending the effort of Artee group for finding the state conducive to invest their money,the governor averred that the multiplier effect of the investment will bring employment opportunities to the people of Cross River State.

On his part,Minister of Tourism,Culture and National Orientation High Chief Edem Duke said the retail destination shop when completed will further boost the tourism vision ofthe federal government which Cross River State is symbolic for. Duke lauded the  commitment of the State to grow tourism.

Earlier,the Managing Director of Artee Group, Haresh Keswani said the big department retail store will provide direct employment for over 1,000 Cross Riverians. Keswani said Cross River dream to become  Dubai in West Africa sub region will come to fruition with Big departmental store like Artee.

The event was climax with the ground breaking of the mall by the governor and some other dignitaries