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To strengthen cooperation between Nigeria and Serbia, there is a
need for the establishment of the Nigeria-Serbia chamber of commerce, the
minister of commerce and industry, Jubril Martins-Kuye, has said.

Mr Martins-Kuye, who met with the Serbian Ambassador to Nigeria,
Rifat Rondic noted that Nigeria was desirous of strengthening trade and
investment relation with the Republic of Serbia and that the ministry was
willing to give everything to facilitate Serbian investment in the economy of
Nigeria.

“The proposed Nigeria – Serbia chamber of Commerce should be
proactive and be able to liaise with all departments of government in order to
ensure that Serbians desire to invest in Nigeria becomes a reality,” he said.
“My Ministry will support Serbian businessmen who want to invest in Nigeria and
will cooperate with Chamber of commerce of both countries.”

The Minister reiterated that the agreement on trade and
investment promotions, as well as ‘Avoidance of Double Taxation Agreement’ must
be signed and put into practice. “Since we have such plan, what is important is
to give nod to it and take it from the level of near agreement signed on paper
to something we can actually put on ground and precise,” he said.

Working agreement

Francis Akiniyi of the National Association of Chamber of
Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) said Nigeria has a lot
to gain from Serbia in terms of investment in agriculture, construction,
Textile, Power generation and Technology. He said that they were at the final
stage of registering the Nigeria- Serbia chamber of commerce with relevant
government departments.

Mr Rondic pointed out that Nigeria is a leading country in
Africa and there was need for Serbia and its people to cooperate with the
country.

He also said that the Nigeria Investment Promotion Council
(NIPC) had concluded a memorandum with the Serbia Chamber of commerce and
stressed the need for both countries to finalise the bilateral agreement which
had been concluded in January 2002. The ambassador urged the minister to
facilitate the ratification of the agreement by the National Assembly.