ENUGU – The Indian Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, Shri Suresh Makhijani, says Nigeria-India bilateral trade reached 16.5 billion dollars in 2013.
Makhijani made the disclosure in Enugu on Saturday at a ceremony to mark the Indian Embassy Day at the ongoing 25th Enugu International Trade Fair.
The deputy high commissioner expressed optimism that the figure would be surpassed in the current financial year.
According to him, India has become Nigeria’s largest trading partner with strong market presence in pharmaceutical, information technology, steel, power Transmission equipment, transport and agricultural.
“Rapid growth in Indian investments in Nigeria in such sectors as power, manufacturing, fertilisers and textiles is visible,’’ he said.
In an address, Dr Ifeanyi Okoye, President of the Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ECCIMA), said the participation of India at the fair would offer opportunities for cross-fertilisation of ideas.
According to him, it will also encourage exchange of information and enlightenment for better understanding of immense business opportunities to link Nigerian business men with their Indian counterparts.
“We do believe that forum such as this will further provide inherent opportunities to boost trade and investment among the nations and their people.
“I have no doubt that this forum will yield expected result that will be beneficial and impactful,’’ he said.
The event was attended by some officials from the high commission. (NAN)
