Qatar-Nigeria Economic Forum Concludes

Qatar-Nigeria Economic Forum

The Qatar-Nigeria Economic Forum concluded in the capital Abuja on Tuesday, wrapping up a successful week of deliberations and open dialogue to achieve more understanding, rapprochement and confidence building between manufacturers in the two countries.

A number of Nigerian senior officials, ministers, heads of chambers of commerce and businessmen, as well as a number of ambassadors accredited to Federal Republic of Nigeria participated in the conclusion of the activities.

In a speech at the conclusion of the forum, HE Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment of Nigeria Mariam Katagum praised the efforts of the State of Qatar in organizing the forum with the aim to promote the role of the private sector and bring together businessmen in the two countries.

She reviewed the investment opportunities in the field of natural gas development and partnership in maritime navigation and inland air navigation, and called for completing the negotiation between the two parties to sign an agreement to encourage and protect mutual investments, and to work to enrich the bilateral cooperation between the two countries.

For his part, HE Minister of Budget and National Planning of Nigeria Clement Agba commended the Qatari government and its efforts in promoting the cooperation ties with his country.

Meanwhile, HE Minister of Mines and Steel Development of Nigeria Uchechukwu Sampson Ogah reviewed in his speech the investment areas in the mining sector. He explained in details the 44 types of minerals available in Nigeria, in addition to customs exemptions for exploration equipment, gold refineries and concessions, and the availability of political will for economic cooperation in order to take advantage of the opportunities available in the sector.

HE Minister of Science and Technology Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi expressed his admiration for the great achievements made by the State of Qatar in the information technology system, stressing that his ministry is looking forward to cooperating with the State of Qatar in the sciences of technology and innovation.

HE Ambassador of Nigeria to Qatar Yakubu Abdullahi Ahmed extended thanks to the Government of the State of Qatar for financing the largest economic event in Nigeria, during which the capabilities available in various economic and commercial fields were reviewed.

Executive Director of Export Development Agency at Qatar Development Bank Hamad Mejegheer described the forum's deliberations in Lagos and Abuja as successful, and shed light on the great economic potential and marketing opportunities in Nigeria, as well as ways of cooperation in various trade fields to deepen relations between the two countries.

He added that the deals concluded in the forum within two days are equivalent to years of commercial transactions, which left wide echoes in the Nigerian media.

HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Federal Republic of Nigeria Dr. Ali bin Ghanim Al Hajri praised the effective role of the forum in creating a distinguished platform for all participants.

HE the Ambassador added that the forum reflected the firm desire of the wise leaderships in the two countries to deepen the bilateral relations through the largest economic gathering, which provided the opportunity for the two parties to establish future partnerships between the leading private sector institutions in Nigeria and their counterparts in Qatar, and lay the foundation for strong economic cooperation between the two countries.

He noted that the forum enabled QDB delegation to meet and interact with high-level policy makers in the Federal Government and leaders of the business community in Nigeria to increase cooperation in the areas of agriculture, oil and gas, mining and infrastructure development. (QNA)