Olusegun Aganga, Minister of Trade and Investment
By Amaka Eze
The German Delegation of Industry and Commerce in Nigeria - the Nigerian-German Business Association (NGBA) and the Nigerian Belgian Commercial Information and Documentation Centre (NBCIDC) is set to hold the first European-Nigerian Business forum in Lagos.
The forum, expected to hold between October 23 and 24, is supported by the delegation of the European Union in Nigeria and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as well as all European Consulate and Embassies in Nigeria.
According to a delegate of the German Industry and Commerce in Nigeria, Mr. André Rönne, who addressed journalists at a media briefing in Lagos, the aim of the forum is to grow business relationship between the two countries, as well as initiate new businesses.
While explaining the initiative, the German delegate stated that the platform is for European and Nigerian businesses who wish to do business together. He said: “We have been in constant contact and exchange with most of the European trade associations and consulates in Nigeria, and have realised that we all have the same believe about succeeding in our various businesses.
Rönne added that the two parties believe in the economic potential of the Nigerian market, despite the challenging business environment, and therefore decided to put come together to make Nigeria more attractive for European investors and companies.
“While using this window of opportunity for Nigerian and European businesses in Nigeria to create mid and long term partnership, the forum will also serve as a lobbying platform for European companies and their representatives,” he said. According to him, Lagos was chosen as the centre for the event because it is the hub of business activities in the country.
On his part, the Trade Fair Manager, Nigerian-German Business Association, Mr. Oluyinka Akande, explained that the event will expose a lot of companies in the country, especially Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) to business opportunities.
The sectors to be represented at the event include business climate and environment; banking and finance; renewable energy, oil and gas; health care; information and communications technology; education and vocational training; infrastructure; agriculture; manufacturing and security.