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Islamabad, April 12, 2013 (PPI-OT): A delegation of Nigerian businessmen based in Islamabad led by Mr.Francis Onyisi, President of Nigerian Community in Pakistan visited Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ICCI) to further promote the cause of Nigeria in Pakistan.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr.Zafar Bakhtawari, President ICCI said that Pakistan does consider the value of strengthening the trade and economic relations with Nigeria keeping in view the big market of Africa but unfortunately both countries have been facing challenges which could be solved by devising a common strategy.
Referring to recently concluded D8 Summit, he said that both the sides need to make all out efforts to increase mutual cooperation for each other’s benefits. He said that D8 countries have large population which was over 1billion, therefore, we need now is to further activate D8 forum by strengthening our mutual cooperation, communication and take initiative through exchange of expertise, knowledge and transfer of technology.
President ICCI also emphasized on singing of Free Trade agreement among all the member countries of D8 organization that would ultimately enhance the level of economic and commercial cooperation among these Muslim countries.
He also informed the members of Nigerian business community that ICCI has planned to organize Capital Chambers Conference of D-8 countries in Islamabad, aiming to promote mutually beneficial relations of Pakistan with these countries.
Mr.Bakhtawari also expressed concern on the role of international media that portrayed very negative image of Pakistan and Nigeria. He said that Pakistan and Nigeria are very peaceful countries and they have the potential to lead their respective regions.
Mr.Francis Onyisi said that Nigerian Community in Pakistan is determined to join hands with Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry to further strengthen the efforts of Nigerian High Commissioner to Pakistan, H.E.Mr.Dauda Danladi Mni who is keen to establish Pakistan-Nigeria Youth Economic Forum. He further said that Nigeria offers great investment opportunities to Pakistan as well in a number of areas including oil and gas, minerals and mining, textile, agriculture and livestock.
Members of the delegation, Mr.Isaac Omomolesho, Mr.Obasi Chukwu, Mrs.Bolanle Afolabi, Mr.John Smith Okoro, Mr.Adibe Chinwendu and Mr.Ubaka Udenwa also discussed the areas of their interests as well as investment opportunities between the both countries. They also showed interest in expanding business ties with their Pakistani counterparts which would further accelerate bilateral trade relation between Nigeria and Pakistan.
For more information, contact:
Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry
Chamber House, Aiwan-e-Sanat-o-Tijarat Road,
Mauve Area, G-8/1,
Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +9251 225 0526 and 225 3145
Fax: +9251 225 2950
Email: icci@brain.net.pk
Website: www.icci.com.pk