Iran, Nigeria forge trade partnership

Nigeria and Iran have agreed to forge stronger trade partnership that would promote bilateral trade between both countries.

As a result of this partnership Iranian Commercial Minister and Deputy High Commissioner are being expected in the country early August to discuss and plan the visit of a 34-man business delegation in Nigeria.

Stating this in a release, the Head, Corporate Communications, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, (NEPC), Mr Joe Itah, said the disclosure was made during a recent visit of new Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria Mr Morteza Rahimi Zarchi to Executive Director/CEO, NEPC, Mr Olusegun Awolowo, in his office in Abuja.

Awolowo in the release noted the cordial relationship that existed between the Council and his predecessor, Mr Saeed Koozechi, adding that it was on this premise that he urged Zarchi to assist in attracting Iranian investors to help industrialise Nigeria through ownership of plantations in areas like rice and cocoa.

He pointed out that such investments will help to scale-up production, improve quality and increase exportation of Nigeria goods particularly in areas such as Real Estate, Petrochemical, Automobile and Transportation where Iran has high degree of expertize.

Ambassador Zarchi who, according to the release confirmed his visit as the first since assumption of office expressed that Iranain Mission attaches importance Nigeria, hopes to attract significant development to the country and draw symbiotic benefits to both nations.

“Iranian Commercial Minister and Deputy High Commissioner will be here in early August 2016 to discuss and plan the visit of a 34-man business delegation in Nigeria,” Zarchi said.

According to the release, he solicited NEPC’s support in mobilising relevant MDAs, manufacturing companies and the Organised Private Sector to participate in activities of the Inward Trade Mission.