By Eromosele Abiodun
The Ambassador of Ecuador to Nigeria, Leopoldo Rovayo Verdesoto has pledged his commitment to boosting trade between Nigeria and his country with a view to improving the economic benefits of both countries.
He stated his when he led a delegation of embassy staff to the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA).
He added that he was hopeful  of  expanding  new  business  frontiers  and forging mutually beneficial partnership with  the  Chamber  to promote Ecuadorian business interest in the state and region.
Verdesoto commended PHCCIMA’s effort at providing significant support to businesses and contributing to stimulating the local economy, which according to him, fall within the statutory objective of the Chamber.
He  said  PHCCIMA  is  strategic  to  his  pursuit  of  healthy partnership as a chamber that has consistently maintained growth as the second largest and most active Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria.
Ecuador,  according  to  him,  has  a  lot  of  prospects,  which  have  been enhanced with government’s effort to promote public policies focused on knowledge and innovation, diversification, partnerships, security and incentives for foreign public-private investments among others.
According to the Ecuadorian envoy, “We are interested in export/import from  both countries in  products  like  shrimps,  tuna  fish, straw  hats, palm  heats,  all  varieties  of  coffee,  prawns  even  in  the  area  of partnering to tap from the huge value chain in cocoa production, and chocolates which Ecuador is well-known for- as well as other products that can interest the state and Nigeria as a whole.
 Verdesoto said  the  delegation  had earlier visited Kano Chamber of Commerce, noting that Port Harcourt was the  second  visit  aimed  at  deepening  Ecuador/Nigeria  business relationship,  showcasing  investment  opportunities  in  Ecuador,  and highlighting opportunities and policies put in place by the Ecuadorian government for smooth running of businesses for investors  and the Chamber.
“Let me tell you a secret you don’t know, the hairs imported through the Panama canal is gotten from Ecuador, but because it is transported through the Panama canal, it is brandished Panama hair. Basically we can directly have an arrangement and collaboration to supply this hair in Nigeria because we are here to build bridges and partnerships and connect Ecuador to Nigerian businesses, “he added.
Receiving the Ambassador of Ecuador and his delegation, President of Port Harcourt Chamber of the Commerce, Dr. Emi Membere-Otaji expressed gratitude  for forging  a  relationship  and  creating  awareness  about Ecuadorian investment opportunities and partnerships.
Membere-Otaji said it was evident that the Chamber has built  significant  reputation  in  partnerships  even  as  she  has  the requisite knowledge, expertise and experience needed in virtually all areas of  human  endeavor.
He added that the  chamber  was  committed  to partnering with Ecuadorian investors in key areas that will be of mutual benefit.
â€In PHCCIMA, our major objective is to ensure that businesses thrive and to create opportunities; we have listened to you, I want to assure you we will take this message to our members and begin to peruse into potent areas we can partner and invest. My distinguished Ambassador, you have come to the main stay of investors in the country, apart from being the capital of oil and gas, Port Harcourt is the commercial nerve centre for a variety of businesses, so this is home to businesses and we will  partner  with  you  and  ensure  we  further strengthen  the  ties, â€he said.
