By Abdullahi M. Gulloma
President Goodluck Jonathan said yesterday said the volume of trade between Nigeria and Pakistan would rise in few years time from less than $100 million to $1 billion.
Jonathan said this in Abuja after holding bilateral talks with President Maroon Hussain of Pakistan.
He said despite the good relations between Nigeria and Pakistan, the volume of trade had remained low at less than $100 million.
He commended Pakistan for supporting Nigeria’s position at several international organisations and fora, especially during its quest for United Nations Non-Permanent Security Council seat.
Jonathan also accepted Hussain’s offer to visit Pakistan, and called on foreign ministries, military delegations and other relevant agencies of the countries to exchange similar visits and deepen cooperation in all areas.
He said: “You will agree with me that this is quite significant, because just like Nigeria is suffering from terror attack, Pakistan is also experiencing terror attacks. Only yesterday we had a nasty incident and even today, there are still some issues, just like we are still battling to deal with how to get our young daughters out of the hands of terrorists.
“Presently, the trade relationship between Pakistan and Nigeria is extremely low, which we are committed to doubling it in the next two years, and in the next five years or so, our target is that from under $100 million to at least $1 billion, and we are now encouraging more robust visits at the highest level, the President is here with us, I will soon go to Pakistan for exchange visit, we will also encourage our Trade and Investment Ministers and our Foreign Affairs Ministers, our Defence Ministers to exchange I’m sure that they will discuss how to get over the security issues.”
In his remarks, President Hussain stressed the need to institutionalise existing economic partnership, air services agreement and exchange of prisoners in addition to the agreements on oil and gas, education, dairy/agricultural and industrial development.
