By Funmi Emmanuel, Abuja.
The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC and Iran’s Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade have promised to work together to attract more investments into the Nigerian economy.
Executive Secretary of NIPC, Mrs. Saratu Umar and the Vice Minister of Iranian Ministry of Industry, Mines and Trade, Mr. Valiollah Afkhami gave the promise today at a meeting in Abuja.
Both stressed the need for the two organisations to partner and collaborate in order to promote Nigeria’s abundant investment opportunities to Iranian investment community.
Afkhami, who doubles as the President of Trade Promotion Organisation of Iran, ITPO led some investment delegations from Iran to Nigeria on a fact finding mission. The Investors indicated interest in mines, information and communication technology and pharmaceutical sectors.
Briefing the minister and the delegation, Mrs. Umar thanked them for showing interest to invest in Nigeria, stressing that the investment climate of the country is very condusive and friendly.
The executive secretary added that the Commission as the foremost investment promotion agency was ready to attract and facilitate foreign investments into the country.
She promised to assist the Iranian investors by providing relevant information that will guide them in making their investment decisions and also provide both pre and after care services.
Mrs. Umar took them on a tour of One Stop Investment Centre, OSIC facilities, and enjoined them to register their individual companies with the Commission.
Earlier, Afkhami had said they were in the country to get first-hand information on Nigeria investment climate and seek for possible collaboration with NIPC in order for the Iranian Investors to invest in the country.
He disclosed that there are about 30 Iranian companies presently operating in the country, stressing that more Iranian investors are desirous to invest in the country.
The minister called for closer working relationship between his Ministry and NIPC in order to attract more investment from Iran to Nigeria.
“From this visit, there is the need for closer cooperation between our two Organisations in order to attract more Iranian investors into the country,” he added.
