The Minister of Livestock Development, Alhaji Idi Mukhtar Maiha, has described Nigeria and Mexico as strong power houses in livestock production, stressing the need for both countries to exploit their non-export potentials to galvanise revenue and boost productivity.
The minister stated this on Tuesday, while delivering a goodwill message at the official unveiling of the Nigeria/Mexico Chamber of Commerce and Industry (NMCCI) in Abuja.
The event was a congregation of decision makers, diplomats, entrepreneurs and investors-alike, who came together to support the new initiative for the purpose of promoting trade and investment between the two countries.
The hallmark of the event was the official signing of the NMCCI documents by the President, Arim Topete and other board members.
They are Mr Lawal Garba, Dr. Ogbechie Ifeanyi, Mr Danmallam Bashir, Mr Hamza Atta, Mr Ayodeji Babatunde, Mr Salim Jaoude, Mr Bestman Uwaida and Mr Akar Hussein.
While speaking further at the high-octane ceremony, the Nigerian livestock industry the minister noted was huge, just as he described the leather industry in Mexico as one of the most advanced in the world, enjoining investors in both countries to deepen collaborations, tap into shared prosperity and invest fully in the livestock industry as a way of repositioning the countries.
Maiha added: “Our growth and strategy initiative was recently approved by the NEC and with the establishment of the Nigeria/Mexico Chamber of Commerce and Industry, it becomes a big opportunity to grow our GDP, boost food production and eradicate poverty.”
In his remarks, the Ambassador of Mexico in Nigeria, Alfredo Miranda, who noted with dismay low trade and investment between the two countries, assured that the new move will foster economic diplomacy.
“This is a moment that we are waiting for to showcase to our both countries readiness to deepen further our economic ties. We have to continue working hard and continue to focus on strategic areas based on the capacity of both countries,” he said.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yussuf Maitama Tuggar, told the audience that the new ties were capable of triggering the enormous potential of both countries.
Represented by the Director, Economic, Trade and Investment, Ambassador Anderson Madubike, the minister noted further that investors and business man can now tap into the biggest market that the NMCCI has provided for them, adding: “The President Bola Tinubu administration has created an enabling environment for liberalization which would unlock great opportunities for both countries,”
On its part, the Comptroller-General of Customs, Bashir Adeniyi, expressed Customs strong commitment in promoting business in Nigeria, saying he was ready to prioritise the new initiative to encourage more collaboration.
The NMCCI President, Topete observed that Nigeria and Mexico’s future are bound by opportunities and innovations, saying that the landmark event as triggered by the two most vibrant voices in Africa and South America marked the beginning of industrialisation.