Nigeria eager to boost bilateral relations
The envoy stated that lack of direct flights between the two nations was another obstacle impacting bilateral trade. PHOTO: FILE
Nigerian High Commissioner Mohammed Bello Abioye has said that an agreement was signed between Pakistan and Nigeria for setting up a joint chamber of commerce and industry in 2015 however no progress has been achieved in this regard to date.
Exchanging views with businessmen during his visit to the Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Monday, he termed establishment of a joint chamber vital to improve trade and investment cooperation between the two countries.
The envoy stated that lack of direct flights between the two nations was another obstacle impacting bilateral trade.
“Commencement of direct flights will certainly facilitate trade and investment between the business communities of the two countries,” he said.
Abioye added that Nigeria had a huge population and Pakistani businessmen and industrialists could establish their units or undertake joint ventures in the African nation. “We can become partners in progress which will deepen the trade ties.”
Terming Karachi important headquarter of Sindh, he expressed eagerness to enhance ties with KCCI.
He said that many commodities from Nigeria, particularly cotton and cocoa, could be provided to Pakistan.
According to him, Nigerian cotton could be used by Pakistan’s textile sector to produce value added products.
Welcoming the Nigerian High Commissioner, KCCI President Muhammad Idrees stated that Islamabad imported commodities worth $116.27 million from Nigeria in 2020, which was 58.4% lower than $279.74 million in 2019.
On the other hand, exports to Nigeria stood at $29.97 million in 2020 which was 9.1% higher than $27.47 million in 2019, he said.
Published in The Express Tribune, November 9th, 2021.
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