The Minister of Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika has accepted an offer to lead a delegation aimed at enhancing bilateral trade and collaboration between Nigeria and Pakistan.
The delegation, which includes the Africa Center for Asia Studies, International Institute for Peace Leaders, UN-Geneva, Ajaokuta Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (ACCIMA) and other partners, paid a courtesy visit to the ministry in Abuja.
During the visit, Sirika said that the bilateral trade and collaboration between Nigeria and Pakistan would bring about enormous benefits, given Nigeria’s huge market potentials. He also said that other MDAs with investment potentials would accompany him on the proposed trade investment mission.
In his keynote address, the Pakistani Charge d’ Affaires, Mr. Riazh H. Chughtai said the national policies of both countries have transformed with more focus on economic development. He went on to call on the minister to lead the delegation of the Nigeria Trade and Investment Mission to Pakistan scheduled to hold later in the year, adding that Nigeria, as the biggest player in Africa, holds a significant position.
The director of the department of trade and investment in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Akinremi Bolaji thanked Sirika for accepting to lead the delegation and noted that having a vibrant leader was an important aspect of the mission. He said that relations with Pakistan would be of benefit to Nigeria, given the country’s rich potentials, and that the aviation sector was one of the key areas Pakistan was looking forward to collaborate with.
In conclusion, this courtesy visit would provide an opportunity for Nigeria’s business community to exhibit and promote products in Pakistan to enhance Nigeria’s exports to Pakistan and attract investments to Nigeria.
Pakistan has led two successful trade missions to Nigeria and it is hoped that the proposed trade investment mission will be successful in promoting bilateral trade and collaboration between both countries.
