The government of Qatar has made a U-turn on its earlier decision not to host a business meeting with Nigerian businesses on the sideline of President Bola Tinubu’s visit to the country in March.
The refusal of Qatari Embassy in Abuja to host the side meeting had led to criticisms from some Nigerians.
In a swift reaction, the embassy in a “Note Verbale” dated February 23, 2024, to the Protocol Department of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said, “The Qatar Chamber of Commerce will host the Business and Investment Forum on the margins of President Bola Tinubu’s visit.
President Tinubu is scheduled to travel to Qatar for a State Visit on March 2 and 3.
The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has also confirmed that the business forum will be held.
“We wish to reassure all prospective participants and our business community that the event is being prepared with the highest level of dedication and professionalism, aiming to foster stronger business ties between our two countries,” the Association’s President, Dele Oye, said in a press statement.
He noted that the event was a significant element of the broader context of President Tinubu’s state visit to Qatar.
According to NACCIMA, the forum, which is being organised in collaboration with Qatar’s Chambers of Commerce and Industry, is designed to provide an unparalleled platform for Nigerian businesses to engage with their Qatari counterparts.
“This event aims to explore commercial and investment opportunities across key sectors, including oil & gas, manufacturing, agro-business, construction, real estate, ICT, renewable energy, solid minerals, and the service sector,” Oye said.
The Association’s president said NACCIMA was in close communication with the relevant authorities and stakeholders and intended to provide a comprehensive update and advisory regarding the trip on Sunday.