- ACCI to Boost Nigeria, Russia Economic Relations
The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry has said it is working on innovative ways to deepen the economic relationship between Nigeria and Russia.
The President of the Chamber, Adetokunbo Kayode, said this in Abuja at the Nigeria-Russian business forum. He said the forum would be used to revive the old economic ties that had existed between the two countries.
He described the event as an important platform for entrepreneurs and investors who were active in the rapidly growing economies at the global scale to interact and do businesses among themselves.
He said that the forum would be used to refocus the relationship particularly in critical areas of the economy. Kayode gave some of the critical areas as manufacturing, agro-processing, steel and metallurgy, automobile, oil and gas and technology.
He added that the two countries were very important and valuable markets for the producers of products, goods and services. Kayode said over the years, the diplomatic relationship had witnessed the establishment of Russia-Nigeria Business Council which oversaw economic activities between the two countries.
He said that the council was, however, inactive for a long time since the demise of the initial founder. Mr Goodie Ibru. ”After series of meetings, we have acted passionately and revived the council under a new leadership,” Kayode said.
The Russian Deputy Head of Mission,Mr Valéry Shaposhnikor, said that while Russia had not benefited much from Nigeria, much would be achieved with the new economic relationship. Shaposhnikor, who represented Russian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Alexey shebarshin, said ”I believe this forum will help us learn more about Nigeria and areas of investment opportunities.”
