Nigeria – Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce Meets High Commission, Discuss Bilateral Trade Interests
The High Commissioner of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to Nigeria, HE Shameem Hassan at the weekend met with the officials and associates of the Nigerian-Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) in Abuja.
Held at a dinner table, the meeting had in attendance officials of the High Commission, leaders of the chamber of commerce and delegates from Bangladesh.
Stakeholders discussed and agreed on bilateral trade interests expected to boost trade relations between the two countries.
The High Commissioner, who appreciated the Nigerian government for their support to him and his officials, assured members of the NBCC leadership of his unalloyed support, saying that the meeting was one of the most eventful in his one and half years in office.
He noted that Bangladesh and Nigeria have similarities, adding that under the visionary leadership of the Honourable Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, who recently won a record third consecutive term in office due to her exceptional popularity, the country’s economy “grew by 7.86% last year. This year it’s growing by 8.15%, which is one of the highest in the world.”
He commended Mr Ekramul for untiring efforts which has led to the successful operations of the High Commission and wining of prizes in trade fairs and exhibitions.
Mr. Hassan further observed that though Bangladesh is a small country with land area of about 56,977 square miles, “our power production has crossed 22,000MW. And that is something amazing? Amazing is what human beings can do but when it comes to the level of miracle; that is something beyond human capabilities, right?
“We have a population of 165 million people but we are self-sufficient in food grain production, and this is something beyond human capabilities.
“So, our achievements have reached certain level that forced foreign analysts to comment that Bangladesh has continued to make miracles because of that visionary leadership”, he said.
The High Commissioner who added that Bangladesh is a role model to the world in women empowerment, also noted that the country is ahead of other countries in South Asia in access to portable water, sanitation, poverty reduction, drastic reduction in mortality rates and many more.
He then stated that there was need for both countries to work together and strengthen bilateral relationships.
Earlier, the President of the Chamber, Captain Hamidu Usman Jaffeji (Rtd) harped on the need to explore avenues for cooperation. He hailed the High Commissioner, Mr. Hassan and the head of Chancery, Mr. Shah Ekramul for their support to the chambers.
He assured that the Nigeria – Bangladesh Chamber of Commerce “is a platform that will bring business men in both countries together”, maintaining that it is such high level “cooperation and recommendations that will enable us make progress.
“I know that with the good relationship that we have, wherever you go, you will find it in your heart to continue the support.”
Members who attended the meeting were the Vice President of the Chambers, Commodore Jerome Zemoh Jatau (Rtd); the Company Secretary, Barrister Bode Obat-Olowu; the NBCC Director General, Mr. Tunde Daada, and other directors, including Commander Mike Jimi Dada (Rtd), Mr. Bayo Ewuola, and Mr. Ibrahim Hamidu.
Other stakeholders were the Managing Director and a member of the Nigerian American Chamber of Commerce, Alhaji Sheriff Balogun, and the Managing Partner, Oru Media & Associates, a Business Development Adviser, Mr. Oru Leonard Oru.
The High Commissioner of Bangladesh, HE Shameem Hassan graced the meeting with the Secretary and Head of Chancery, Mr. Mohammad Shah Ekramul Hoque and two delegates from his home country of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Mr. S. M. Rezvi and Mr. S. M. Mahmudul Hassan.
