Nigeria-Spanish Business Council for Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NBCCIMA) has said it is seeking to improve the trade relationship between Nigeria and the Republic of Spain.
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Disclosing this on Wednesday at a press conference in Abuja was the President of the NBCCIMA, Ide John Udeagbala.
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Udeagbala said, “It is believed that the mutual benefits of this relationship will cascade down the line and be of huge benefit to the ordinary people in both countries.”
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The NBCCIMA boss explained that the membership of the council would be open to reputable individuals and companies who have business interests in Europe and Africa and wish to use the two countries as an entry point.
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He stated that the council would also encourage and work towards the establishment of industries in Nigeria by Spanish investors.
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“We shall also maintain a robust relationship with NACCIMA and other bilateral and city chambers in the country for the ideals enunciated above”, he added.
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Udeagbala recalled that the Council was established in 2022 following a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between Nigeria and Spain during the visit of then-President Mohammadu Buhari to Spain.
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The Council President noted that both countries are committed to the MoU, exploring means through which business relationships between the two countries would be enhanced.
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His words: “This Business Council is the project vehicle for the achievement of the purpose stated above.
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“As a result of the birth of this business council, we look forward to a more robust business relationship between the two countries at the intergovernmental level.
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“We also expect the mutual introduction of businessmen from both Nigeria and Spain to areas of business interest, smooth facilitation of trade missions to and from the two countries, and the building of human capital and business logistics for the advancement of commerce and industry in both countries.”
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On his part, the coordinator, Dr Jasper Uduagwuike said they would begin by exploring immediate areas where Nigerian can benefit in agriculture beforehand moving into manufacturing.
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“Spain is a highly developed country, they are very huge on industry, animal husbandry, wine and fabrics. So these are the areas where we want to encourage our business men to gain from.
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“You will be amazed to know that up to 15 Nigerians have winery in Spain. So already there is a link. So we will just grow from the known to the unknown. We will start with agriculture, we will go into manufacturing and then we look at mines and industry”, he concluded.
