Nigeria-Côte d’Ivoire Business Investment Roundtable and Exhibition to Bolster Economic Collaboration.
By Caroline Ameh
Aiming to fortify economic cooperation and bolster ties between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, a high-profile Business Investment Roundtable and Exhibition is slated to occur on Saturday, the 9th, coinciding with the ongoing 64th ECOWAS Summit in Abuja.
Facilitated as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP), the initiative spearheaded by Amb. Akinremi Bolaji, the Director of Economic Trade and Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, alongside key private sector figures, aims to amplify productivity synergies under the theme “Synergy for Optimal Productivity.”
The announcement was unveiled during a press briefing where key figures such as Dr. Bello Nura, Vice President of the NASME National Association for Small and Medium Enterprises, and Mr. Emeka Ezekwesili Nnam, the Executive Director of Trade at the Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry, were present.
Mr. Emeka expressed gratitude towards 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.
Mrs. Victoria A, the Director-General of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, echoed excitement about the event, underscoring its overdue significance in fostering interactions within the ECOWAS framework. 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.
The primary objective according to the convener is to delve into export investment opportunities between Nigeria and Côte d’Ivoire, particularly focusing on technology, value addition, trade facilitation, and market access.
The participation of representatives from various government agencies, including the Minister of Trade, DG SMEDAN, ECOWAS representatives, Shippers Council of Nigeria, Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, and other pertinent agencies, is anticipated.
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.
Dr. Bello views this as a pivotal moment for Nigeria’s MSMEs, aligning with the objectives of the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement and fostering closer relations with Côte d’Ivoire.
Mr. Emeka Ezekwesili Nnam perceives this event as a model for broader trade relationships within West Africa and the continent. He underscored the imperative need for increased intra-African trade while highlighting the importance of value addition.
The Ambassador, stressing the exhibition component, sees it as an opportunity to showcase products and disseminate crucial business information across the West African coast. He remains optimistic that this engagement will propel the economy forward and contribute to an upswing in the trade balance.
