Trade delegation to visit Nigeria

Nigerian Ambassador to Iran Abubakar Chika and Tehran Province Commerce Department Director Ali Mousavi in a meeting in Tehran on Friday reviewed ways to expand economic ties between the two countries.

The meeting focused on possible ways for removing old and redundant obstacles on the way of bilateral trade, as well as laying the grounds for Iranian trade delegation’s travel to the African nation.

“The Chamber of Commerce, Industries and Mines of Tehran also plans to attend Nigeria’s international commerce exhibition next month,” Mousavi said.

“Industries such as Metallurgy, chemical, petrochemical, agriculture, construction, and pharmaceutical are among Iran’s first priorities for investment in Nigeria,” he added.

Iranian and Nigerian chambers of commerce, industries and mines have so far signed a memorandum of understanding, he said, adding: "During the recent years Iran and Nigeria have agreed to joint investments in the oil, gas, and housing sectors.”

According to him, Iran has exported $14 million worth of goods to Nigeria in the previous Iranian calendar year (ended March 20, 2009).

Chika, for his part, welcomed Iranian investment in his country's energy sector, and suggested for streamlining the banking relations to help promote trade ties.

MF/MG/SJ

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MNA