Greek seeks to boost trade with Nigeria

The Greek Government has expressed its interest in deepening economic and trade relations with Nigerian business community.
Mr Nikos Yiamakis, the Chairman, Greek-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce and Technology (GNCCT), expressed the interest in Lagos at the Greek-Nigeria Business Forum.
He said that Greece was interested in promoting economic and business interests in areas of construction, manufacturing,  renewable energy resources, communications and information technology. Other areas of interest are standardisation of production,  health services and shipping.
“For decades, there has been a good relationship between Greece and Nigeria, but the trade relationship can be improved upon to become better.
“Greek companies, wherever they have been active abroad, have proven to be among the top companies in the world in terms of consistency, know-how, quality, competitive pricing and faithful fulfillment of their contractual obligations,” he said.
Yiamakis said that strengthening existing trade relationship would boost production, technology transfer, job creation and export opportunities between both countries.
Ms Yewande Sadiku, Executive Director, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), described Africa as the most attractive investment destination in the world. She said this had  improved Nigeria’s appeal to investors.
Sadiku said that the Federal Government had evolved several reforms and initiatives to improve the business environment and attract investors to explore Nigeria’s potential.
Mr Olukayode Pitan, Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), said that the bank had identified core sectors of growth over the next two to three years.
He said that the sectors which aligned to government’s priority areas were agro and food processing, light manufacturing, gas and petrochemical, creative industry,  solid mineral and engineering and technology.
Pitan said that BoI was committed to providing funds at low interest rate that would enable investors thrive and promote the growth of the economy.
Amb. Folorunsho Ajadi, Nigerian Ambassador to Greece, said that the forum provided the platform to deepen economic ties, forge new businesses and expand business growth of both countries.