The Islamabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry here Tuesday stressed the need for enhancing trade between Pakistan and Nigeria. Talking to Acting Nigerian High Commissioner, R.A. Mustafa, the ICCI president, Ijaz Abbassi said that trade volume between the two countries was very low, which needed to be enhanced for economic uplift of both the countries.
He said that that in 2006-07 Pakistan's export to Nigeria were $23.2 million while imports from Nigeria were around $10.0 million. He was of the view that two-way trade can be boosted by working in the areas of medical pharmaceuticals, petroleum, and textile sectors and suggested that Nigeria could import products like, medical equipment, sports goods, wood work, cotton and medicine from Pakistan.
The ICCI president also invited Nigerian businessmen to visit Pakistan and explore business opportunities adding that trade could be enhanced by regular exchange of business delegations and holding of trade exhibitions.
Speaking on the occasion, R.A. Mustafa said that both the countries should focus on removing the barriers, which have been hampering the trade adding that Nigeria was interested in building strong economic relations with Pakistan. He invited Pakistani businessmen to come and explore the opportunities of investment in Nigeria adding that they can use Nigeria as a platform for business linkages with the neighbouring African countries.