Dikachi Franklin, Owerri
Notwithstanding the security, economic and other domestic challenges Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy with gross domestic product amounting to (514.05) billion US dollars is facing, some African countries are still looking up for collaboration with Nigeria for the purpose of reaching potential Nigerian investors who are members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria(MAN).
This was observed when Benson Alfred Bana, the High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania visited the principal officers of the Manufacturers Association on Nigeria(MAN) with Ebina Sylvester, the Representative Officer in charge of Economic Affairs, Tanzania High Commission.
During the visit, Benson Bana disclosed that the Commission was on a mission to redefine the political as well as economic relationship between Nigeria and Tanzania.
Meanwhile, Ambrose Oruche, the Acting Director General of MAN commended the initiative of Bana, stating that MAN was ever ready to maximise the opportunity by facilitating a trade mission to Tanzania as such would avail its members a window to export and expand their market reach.
Speaking, Oluwasegun Osidipe, the director of Economics and Statistics, (MAN) noted that with the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area(AfCFTA ) in January 2021, the partnership or collaboration would benefit Nigerian and Tanzanian manufacturers.
He however, urged the Tanzanian High Commission to create a Commercial Desk for AfCFTA engagement with Nigeria while MAN would support Tanzania with capacity building training, workshops, webinars series etc.
Meanwhile, Nicholas Quansah, Minister /Counsellor, ministry of trade and industry Ghana had called for a closer trade relationship with the Nigerian manufacturers, saying, that the Ghanian manufacturers were always open for collaboration, given the African Continental Free Trade Agreement.
While paying visit to MAN’s Secretariat said, “the essence of our visit is to enhance the trade relationship between Ghana and Nigerian manufacturers, such that both parties can relate in case of need to expand their operation or create a window of opportunity for investors willing to set up in Ghana and vice-versa”.
Also Oruche had commended the visit, according to him it would benefit Nigeria and Ghana because of the AfCFTA, and called for a framework that would structure the engagement of the two countries.
