From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Nigeria and Israel renewed their commitment to deepening investment in agriculture and technology at the annual strategic meeting of the Nigeria-Israel Business Forum (NIBF) in Abuja.
Representing Israeli Ambassador Michael Freeman, Consul Inbar Lipman Garden stated, “Israel is proud to be partnering in the development of the Nigerian economic and business sector. We are ready to partner with the government and the private sector in areas of mutual benefit.”
She encouraged attendees to leverage the forum’s expertise and join the quest to eradicate poverty and insecurity. “We look forward to the dividends of this gathering, hoping it will improve trade between our countries,” she added.
Nigerian Ambassador to Israel, Agatha Nonyelum Afoekelu, speaking virtually, assured attendees that key takeaways from the meeting would be implemented. She urged Nigerian businesses to capitalise on the open trade environment. “Now that the door is open for us…they are open for business,” she emphasised. “So I encourage all members to be ready. We are also ready to receive you, to make you feel at home.”
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NIBF National Coordinator, Florence Osuji, highlighted the trade imbalance between the two nations and urged Nigeria to export commodities like rice and yams to Israel. “We, as a forum, observed that trade has been one-sided,” she explained. “We have not been doing enough business with Israel in terms of exporting our products.”
Osuji pointed out the demand for rice by pilgrims visiting Israel, a demand that Nigeria, with its large-scale rice production, could meet. She also highlighted opportunities in ICT and other agricultural products like chilli peppers and sesame seeds.
NIBF President, PatGrace Owusi, emphasised the ease of travel and business between the two nations, facilitated by their robust bilateral agreement. “Over the years, we have done so much,” he noted. “The forum has helped to improve the economic standards of both countries. We are glad that Nigerians can fly to Israel today without headaches because of the bilateral agreement.”
Owusi stressed the symbiotic relationship between the two countries, stating, “Israel needs Nigeria, Nigeria needs Israel. Fish needs water and water needs fish. Without water, fish do not exist. And without fish, water does not exist. It exists with nothing.”