The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Bangladesh are aiming to strengthen their bilateral relationship through the establishment of an ICT Park in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). This move is part of a strategy to promote industrialization and stimulate economic growth.
During a courtesy visit to the President of ACCI, Chief Emeka Obegolu, SAN, His Excellency Mr Masudur Rahman, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, expressed his intentions to collaborate with ACCI in various sectors such as agriculture, ICT, knowledge transfer, garments and textiles, manufacturing, and electronics, smartphone assembly and others.
The High Commissioner believes that establishing an ICT Park would bring immense benefits to Nigeria and create a win-win situation for both countries.
Highlighting the potential benefits, His Excellency stated that if Nigeria properly harnesses the areas of collaboration, it can generate sustainable development, economic growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and expand trade volume for both countries.
“Nigeria’s vast market provides significant opportunities, and entrepreneurs should consider targeting areas of interest for employment opportunities, leveraging the expertise and resources available in Bangladesh.”
His Excellency emphasized the importance of formalizing the collaboration by establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ACCI and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI), acknowledging the crucial role ACCI plays in facilitating this partnership.
In response, Chief Obegolu expressed appreciation for the High Commissioner’s visit and commended his efforts to strengthen the relationship between Bangladesh and Nigeria.
He acknowledged the highlighted opportunities and expressed interest in tapping into them to benefit ACCI members adding that as a Chamber, ACCI’s mandate is to support business growth in the FCT and its environs.
“Nigeria, being a nation interested in transiting from importation to local manufacturing, stands to gain from opportunities introducing new companies to ACCI members.”
Furthermore, Chief Obegolu expressed interest in the proposed skill transfer, noting that it could bolster Nigeria’s position as a production base.
The Director General of ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani, also emphasized the Chamber’s keen interest in job creation, welcoming the prospect of companies from Bangladesh establishing themselves in the FCT.
Among the ACCI team present during the visit were Agabaidu Jideani, Director General of ACCI, Aisha Ado Abdullahi, VP Legal, Emeka Ezekwensili Nnam, Executive Director of Abuja Trade Centre, and Hauwa Kaka Usman, General Counsel.
The visit by the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria signifies a shared commitment to enhance bilateral relations between the two countries. Through collaboration in various sectors and the establishment of an ICT Park, both Nigeria and Bangladesh aim to achieve economic growth, job creation, and increased trade volume.
Signed:
Olayemi John-Mensah
Media/Strategy Officer