BY : OLAWALE ROTIMI
A cross-section of distinguished personalities from various business sectors of the Nigerian and German economy, diplomatic community and the media were recently hosted at the German Consulate General at the official launch of the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce .
The President of the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce, Mrs. Onyeche Tifase stated that the event was a launchpad for a more strategic future in the development of Cultural, Economic and Business relations between Nigerian and Germany.
“Our mission at the NGCC is to foster Trade and Commerce between Nigeria and Germany, through effective stakeholder engagement and economic cooperation and our vision is to be the leading bi-lateral Chamber of Commerce promoting Trade, Commerce and Investment opportunities between Nigeria and Germany”. Tifase declared.
The NGCC President acknowledged various challenges in the operating environment in Nigeria including a dearth of skills, weak regulations, absence of competitive financing, issues at ports, poor infrastructure and bureaucracy, and therefore said, a cardinal objective of the NGCC would be “enabling and advocating for a more stable and attractive business climate.
” Through various working committees we will provide a platform to identify and address challenges across the key sectors of agriculture, education, construction, energy and industry”. Tifase emphasized.
Special Guest and Chairman of the Economic Advisory Council, Dr Doyin Salami lauded the Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce for its contributions to the socio-economic development of Nigeria. “ The NGCC has an important role in building a healthier and more inclusive economy that will create sustainable value for all stakeholders” he affirmed.
The German Consul-General, Dr Stefan Traumann emphasized the importance of bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and Germany.
“ There are over 90 German companies which employ over 10, 000 direct staff and have a combined annual turnover of 1 billion USD “ he said.
The Nigerian-German Chamber of Commerce was founded in 1986 to promote bilateral trade between Nigeria and Germany.
