By Hassan Zaggi
The Belgian Trade Delegation –Flanders Investment and Trade (FIT), led by the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand and the Coordinator of FIT Mission to Nigeria, Johan Malin, on Monday met with the Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama.
Speaking, Nigerian Ambassador to Belgium, Obinna Chiedu Onowu, expressed delight at the visit of the Belgians, noting that it reinforces people to people contacts between Nigeria and Belgium.
According to him, Belgium is a strategic trade partner for Nigeria, ranking as one of the five countries of import.
He said the visit would help to engender export of goods from Nigeria to Belgium adding that the Embassy intends to organize a visit by Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission and some businesses to Brussels and Luxembourg next year.
The Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand also expressed optimism that the relations between his country and Nigeria would wax stronger.
On his part, while receiving the investors, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama expressed appreciation for their willingness to invest in Nigeria giving the economic trajectory, noting that there are enormous opportunities in Nigeria that the delegation could explore.
He said the priority of the government was to diversify its economy in such a way that would attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), adding that federal government would continue to create conducive environment for investors
The Minister expressed optimism that the existing good relations between the two countries will continue to wax stronger.
He noted that there are other areas such as investment in health care where the government has made necessary intervention to ensure ease of access of medical equipment into Nigeria.
Onyeama commended Nigerian Ambassador to Belgium, Obinna Onowu for what he described as his quality engagement with Belgian businesses amongst other investment groups.
He also commended the Belgian Ambassador to Nigeria, Daniel Bertrand for the synergy with his Nigerian counterpart
