Rivers
ITPC Hosts Business Forum In PH
The Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) Lagos, , in collaboration with Nigeria – Indonesia Commercial Association (NICA), has organised a one-day business forum, at Swiss Spirit Hotel, in Port Harcourt.
The event which was held on Thursday saw heads and representatives of various business organisations including Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) and Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHACCIMA) in attendance to discuss how to promote businesses between Nigeria and Indonesia.
Speaking at the forum, Minister/Counselor for Economic Affairs, Indonesian Embassy in Nigeria, Tamel Vinsen Sinabutar, said Nigeria is important to Indonesia as a trade partner in Africa.
According to him, Nigeria shares many commonalities and committed to develop biteral relationship to the next level.
He equally said that it is high time for the two countries to work together using their creativity and initiatives to increase business relationships, mutual progress and prosperity of both countries.
“ For Indonesia, Nigeria is important to Indonesian trade partner in Africa. On the biteral context, the total trade between Nigeria and Indonesia from January to December, 2021 was about $2.5 billion, with non-oil and gas exports hitting about $2.6 billion, an increase of 14 percent compared to previous year,” Sinabutar said.
The minister, noted that there are avenues for improvement that can increase trade values in the near future, saying that the value of trade between the two countries will increase significantly if they are all committed.
In her remarks, Commissioner for Commerce and industry in the State, Hon. Ify Nwankpa
advised the Indonesian Government to establish more companies and investments in Nigeria, particularly in Rivers State, because the governor, Chief Nyesom Wike has created enabling environment for businesses to thrive as he has brought insecurity to the bearest minimal.
“ After the business group visited me I understand that we do export more than we import from Indonesia.
As individuals we can travel to Indonesia for business, likely to attend their trade fairs and other business forums.
I can boldly tell you that Rivers State is safe for investments and investors, that is why you can see that businesses are thriving in the State following the peaceful nature” she said
Also speaking, the director of Indonesia Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) Lagos, Hendro Jonathan Manurung, said they are in Nigeria, particularly Rivers State to help grow businesses in Indonesia.
He revealed that there are companies in Indonesia eargering to come to Rivers State to establish various types of businesses.
“ We are aware that Rivers State was the place we had most of our palm oil seeds.
I noticed that food business can grow faster in Rivers State. We will ensure that we convince Indonesian companies to come and invest here as there is peace and harmony” he said.
By: Tonye Orabere