Invitation for expression of interest for the establishment of agro-processing industries under public-partnership arrangements

Government of Imo State

Invitation for expression of interest for the establishment of agro-processing industries under public-partnership arrangements

This request for expression of interest invites suitably qualified and experienced companies to submit an expression of interest to establish and own postharvest value addition industries, with minority equity participation of between 5% and 30% by the government of Imo State.

Imo State has adopted a value chain approach which integrates technology, strengthens market access and competitiveness. It has also developed a complete set of incentive for rapid industrialization, enhanced private sector participation in identified agricultural value chains and sustainable development of agriculture for significant increases in food security, employment opportunities and income generation.

Priority Focus
The planned programme focuses on the processing of agro-produce in which lmo State has comparative advantage into world-class food and industrial products for domestic and export markets. These include the following:

i. Staples: Cassava and Maize
ii. Plantation crops: Oil palm. Cashew and Rubber
iii. Horticulture: Pineapple, Citrus, Mango and Plantain
iv. Livestock, Poultry and Aquaculture

The technical Pre-qualification Criteria
Each interested company’s/investor’s technical presentation should contain updated information on the company, the proposed bid and all relevant details justifying that the company has the technical capacity to participate in the scheme viz:

i. Background information including history and business, profile of team stating qualification, experience and number of years in the industry.

ii. If the bidding group is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), details of each prospective investor and their proposed shareholding must be provided.

iii. In the case of a Joint Venture, an appropriate Joint Venture Agreement and / or Memorandum of Understanding must be made available.

The Technical Bid should contain:

The Detailed Business Plan / Financial Bid
The Business Plan will highlight the Technical & Financial Feasibility of the transaction and the extent of the financial investment the Applicant/ Investor intends to deploy to the transaction.

Demonstrable and verifiable financial resources / capability and access to funding to finance the establishment of the Agro Processing Industry and sustain future operations of the company must be made available, Bank Reference is not enough in this regard.

The Government of Imo State is at liberty to investigate the Qualifications and Business Plan of any applicant, require confirmation of information provided by an Applicant or ask for further information and documentation in support of the submitted Application.

Applicants must ensure that all information provided is true, complete and correct in all respects, as omission or misstatement of any material fact may lead to rejection of Applications.

Incentives
Government support to successful Applicants / Investors shall include the provision of:

i. Land at the industrial area for the setting up of the industries in the earmarked industrial layout with C of O, with cost spread over 10 years

ii. Infrastructure access roads, power, water, etc.

iii. 5 year relief on state and local taxes and Levies

iv. Adequate security, etc.

Collection and submission of Application forms
Interested companies are to pay the sum of N250,000.00 (Two Hundred & Fifty Thousand Naira) only to any First Bank branch nationwide A/c No. 2016262469 (Ministry of Planning Economic Dev.) to collect the application form.

Submission of Documents:
Completed Application Forms, photocopy of deposit slip, relevant Technical qualification / Business Plan and Financial Bids should be submitted to:

The Honourable Commissioner,
Ministry of Planning and Economic
Development,
Block 6, State Secretariat Complex,
Port-Harcourt Road,
Owerri, Imo State.

With all documents in sealed envelope and clearly marked “Expression of Interest in Agribusiness Industries" at the top left corner.

Documents may also be returned through Imo State Liaison Offices at:
i) Plot 92, Ralph Shodeinde Street Central Area (Opposite Federal Ministry of Finance), Abuja

ii) Plot 1221 B Bishop Oluwole Street, Victoria Island, Lagos

Closing Date
All submissions must be delivered not later than 3.00pm on November 7, 2012
For further inquiries contact: 08033471284, 08034066181 or
Email: agribusiness@imostate.gov.ng

Important Notice:
Only successful, pre-qualified Companies will be contacted for further discussions.