Nigeria-Côte d’Ivoire mulls Collaboration to boost Trade and Investment
Oru Leonard
As the Federal Government of Nigeria aims at boosting trade trade and investment and African states, starting with the ECOWAS, Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire has started a process for both countries at the sideline of the ongoing 64th ECOWAS Summit in Abuja.
This initiative seeks to address prior concerns regarding sluggish implementation of agreements with Côte d’Ivoire. Organizers believe that active involvement of the private sector will expedite progress, opening avenues for Nigeria’s MSMEs to access Ivorian markets and enhance non-oil exports.
Speaking, Ambassador Akinremi Bolaji, the Director of Economic Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside the Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), and National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (NASME), highlighted key points of the concept note themed, “Synergy for Optimal Productivity.”
Amb. Bolaji said the primary objective is to expand the export base and increase investment opportunities between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, particularly on technology, value addition, trade facilitation, and market access.
The Ambassador disclosed that there will be exhibition on Saturday, December 9, 2023 to expose opportunities by showcasing products and disseminate crucial business information across the West African coast. He said the Federal Government is strategising to ensure that Nigerian Investigators move to other countries just as Investors from other countries come to the country. He also expressed confidence that the engagement will increase our Nigeria’s balance of trade balance from 2.9percent to 5 percent.
In her remarks Mrs. Victoria A, the Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, also expressed confidence about the event adding that fostering interactions within the ECOWAS framework it is overdue.
. She also emphasized the business community’s enthusiasm, expressing hopes for this to become an annual event under the auspices of the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Mr. Emeka Ezekwesili Nnam, the Executive Director of Trade at ACCI applauded the Director-General for spearheading this initiative and acknowledged the collective efforts of all involved stakeholders. The event is scheduled to span from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday, the 9th.
Dr. Nura Bello, Zonal Vice President, North- West, National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprise (NASME), said it is a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s MSMEs, aligning with the objectives of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement start with fostering closer relations with Côte d’Ivoire.
The Exhibition will draw participants from various government agencies and the private sector including the Minister of Trade, DG SMEDAN, ECOWAS representatives, Shippers Council of Nigeria, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development among others.
