The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and Bangladesh are strengthening their bilateral relationship through the establishment of an ICT Park in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
Mr Masudur Rahman, the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, said this when he visited the ACCI president, Emeka Obegolu, in Abuja.
Rahman said that the move was part of a strategy to promote industrialisation and stimulate economic growth in the country.
He also expressed his intentions to collaborate with ACCI in various sectors such as agriculture, ICT, knowledge transfer, garments and textiles, manufacturing, electronics and smartphone assembly.
The High Commissioner expressed optimism that establishing an ICT Park would benefit Nigeria immensely and create a win-win situation for both countries.
Rahman said if the collaboration was properly harnessed, it could 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,” he said.
He emphasised the importance of formalising the collaboration by establishing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ACCI and the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI).
Rahman also acknowledged the crucial role ACCI played in facilitating this partnership.
Responding, Obegolu appreciated 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.
He added that ACCI’s mandate was 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.
“We are interested in the proposed skill transfer, as it can bolster Nigeria’s position as a production base.
Meanwhile, Director-General, ACCI, Agabaidu Jideani, emphasised the chamber’s keen interest in job creation while welcoming the prospect of companies from Bangladesh establishing themselves in the FCT.
Other ACCI team present during the visit were Aisha Ado Abdullahi, VP of Legal; Emeka Nnam, Executive Director of Abuja Trade Centre and Hauwa Kaka-Usman, General Counsel.