Miriem Bensalah, the President of the Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM), and other Moroccan delegates were in Nigeria on Wednesday 30th of November, 2016 at Lagos Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island to build business relationship with Nigeria.
Bensalah in her address said there is a need for her country to partner with Nigeria in the creation and expansion of all business sectors.
“Morocco has a strong will in doing business with Nigeria,” she said, “as it will affect the lives of everyone involved in business as well as create more job opportunities for the youths”. She said Nigeria need to be more active and entrepreneurial in the partnership as each country have their role to play. We need more connectivity and access into Nigeria which will help foster the business relationship between both countries. So, all protocols should be made easier and more flexible.”
According her, the government need to push forth the necessary facilities that will be needed for the business partnership to thrive. She explained the sectors where Morocco seeks partnership are: mining, banking, insurance, ICT, logistics and industry.
She believes the partnership will help create jobs for the youths as well as expand the two countries’ horizon. “This business meeting has a focus which is to help us know ourselves, seize the opportunity for co-investing, for cross-partnership, to have a better connectivity and to be on the value chain that should link Morocco to Nigeria.”
She mentioned the need for each country to finalise the agreement with Morocco and ECOWAS to enable the trade between both country smooth and easier. “I look forward to working together with Nigeria in building a new shared business which will create jobs and that the partnership will not be just a wish but a reality that will ease the opportunity for Morocco private sector and Nigeria private sector.”
Laoye Jaiyeola, chairman, Nigerian Economic Summit Group (NESG), who was the pioneer of the business meeting said partnering with Morocco for business expansion and creation will be an opportunity for Nigeria to grow.
In addition, Vincent Nwanyi who represented the Director of General Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), said the partnership will be of benefit to both Nigeria and Morocco.
“Nigeria is a land of resources having about forty-seven minerals not just in large quantity but in large proven reserves”. He added that every issue that will affect the partnership need to be addressed which will help investment in the business sectors productive. “The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry is working with the state and federal government ease the means of doing business and we are ready to render any help to Morocco in any of the business sectors in Nigeria”.
