ABUJA: Nigerian Ambassador to Iran, Mr Tukur Mani, has decried the slow implementation of trade agreements between the country and Iran.
Mani, while speaking at a seminar to flag off the first Iran Solo Exhibition in Lagos, noted that Nigeria and Iran had signed lots of trade agreements during a joint session in 2014 but implementation of those agreements have been slow.
He said Nigeria and Iran have been relating since the 1970s but unfortunately many Nigerians are still unaware of what Iran is all about and how they can also take advantage of the position Iran occupies in the Middle East as the most industrialised country.
Also speaking, the chief executive officer, Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Mr Segun Awolowo, said it is considering an investment policy that will give incentives to prospective foreign investors through a package in its proposed investment policy.
He said, “The council will advocate incentives for prospective foreign investors through a new package from the proposed investment policy that we are working on. This will encourage foreign direct investment in designated free trade zones in the country and Iran, for instance, might be encouraged to come and establish fully owned industries in Nigeria.
“The council was inspired by its mandate as the apex organisation in Nigeria saddled with developing and promoting non oil exports to support consolidation of trade promotion strategy through the mobilisation of Nigerian exporters and relevant stakeholders for the first ever Iranian Solo Exhibition in Nigeria.”
He said: “This exhibition could not have come at a better time and from any other country being that both countries recently launched a new government and both share few economic landscapes in the areas of mining, industry, oil and gas and among other areas. To my mind, there can be no doubt that the hosting of this trade event has further internationalised the Iranian product and synchronised the social and economic relationship of both Nigeria and Iran.
“The lopsidedness of trading balance between Nigeria and Iran calls for concern. With claimed expertise, I am sure Iran can assist Nigeria to develop her maritime, air travel transport, water resources, power, agricultural and petrochemical sectors. Indeed the petrochemical sector is very key for us as we stand to diversify our economy. We request you to extend the success recorded in petrochemical industry in Iran to Nigeria. Such industries will provide raw materials for small and medium enterprises thereby creating jobs along the value chain in Nigeria.”
On his part, President of the National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, NACCIMA, Chief Bassey Edem said the hosting of first Iran Solo Exhibition in Nigeria comes with immense opportunities towards greater partnership between Nigeria and Iran and the West African sub region as a whole.
Represented by Deputy National President, NACCIMA, Mrs. Iyalode Lawson, he said: “I acknowledge the Nigeria-Iran Business Council, NIBC for their tireless efforts towards the promotion of business relations between Nigeria and Iran. Nigeria as a country is a mixed economy with emerging markets. It has a population of over 160 million with a huge potential for profitable foreign direct investment.
“It is our hope therefore that this relationship will not only promote Nigeria as an investment destination but it will also continue to strengthen the existing bilateral trade and economic relationship affecting the two countries by moving beyond trading activities to a much more deepening mutually beneficial relationship.”
