By Victor Asije
Lagos – The Government of the Kingdom of the
Netherlands on Wednesday said that more of its companies would invest
in Nigeria, if the right investment environment would be created for
them.
Netherlands’ Ambassador to Nigeria, Amb. John Groffen, told the News
Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that many Dutch companies that would
have invested in Nigeria were currently being discouraged.
Groffen said that Nigeria’s current forex policy was among other
factors being considered by Dutch companies that had indicated
interest in doing business in Nigeria.
“One of the biggest problem that is preventing more Dutch companies
from investing or coming to do business in Nigeria is the government’s
forex policy.
“These companies, due to the current forex situation, have some
reservations on what the future may bring them.
“But, let me say that as soon as the forex policy situation improves,
there is every tendency for more Dutch companies to want to come to
Nigeria for business deals.
“If the Nigeria Government wants more of Dutch companies into its
country, it has to make sure that the business environment is friendly
and attractive to these companies,’’ he said.
Groffen, who noted the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts at making
the country attractive to investors, said that more companies were
still watching to see certainties in Nigeria’s investment environment.
According to him, the current economic situation in Nigeria has so far
resulted in a decrease in exports and imports between Nigeria and
the Netherlands.
The Ambassador restated his government’s commitment to sustaining
partnership with Nigeria during and after Nigeria’s current economic
situation.
“The Netherlands is well-placed to continue to be a good partner to
Nigeria now and in the future.
“Dutch companies are still very active in Nigeria’s fossil fuel,
maritime, retail and agriculture sectors.
“And there are still a whole lot of opportunities for partnerships
between our two countries in the near future,’’ he added. (NAN)
banker of the day - FREE banker tips from experts