…Holds trade expo in Lagos
The Acting High Commissioner of India to Nigeria, Vartika Rawat has called for more improved bilateral trade and economic ties between the two countries for shared growth and prosperity.
Rawat made the call while speaking at a panel discussion held during the maiden edition of India trade expo 2025 in Lagos.
While stating that the two countries have a lot to offer to each other, the Acting High Commissioner said: “We need to open new vistas in our trade and economic relationship. Presence of over 200 Indian origin companies in Nigeria itself speaks for the opportunities available.’’
She commended the government of Nigeria for extending hospitality to over 50 thousand Indian expatriates, who she said have made Nigeria their home.
She further said: “The success stories of the Indian entrepreneurs is the success of Nigeria, they are not only contributing to growth, but also to the empowerment of Nigeria. I often quote that the Indian companies, combined, are the second largest employers in Nigeria, only behind the Federal government.’’
On the Trade Expo 2025 which was organised by the High Commission of India, Abuja in partnership with the Indian Professionals Forum, Rawat said it aimed to bring together the Indian origin companies for renewed engagement with the Nigerian government, chambers of businesses and private businesses in Nigeria for shared affluence and development.
In her words: “The expo aims to showcase Indian origin companies’ contribution towards Nigerian economy and Nigeria overall
“I also feel that for further strengthening of the bilateral trade and economic ties and to harness the opportunities created by the African Continent Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), it is imperative that, Indian companies focus on Africa in general and Nigeria in particular.
“I am confident that India trade expo 2025 will open up new vistas of cooperation for mutual benefit of our countries.”
On his part, President, Indian Professionals Forum, Pradeep Pahalwani, explained that the expo presents an avenue for the Indian government to be more open minded and for the Nigerian government to look at the bigger picture of bilateral trade and business for both countries.
Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu revealed that his administration is keen on consolidating the current corporation between Nigeria and India.
Sanwo-Olu who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment, Olugbemiga Aina, cheered Indian businesses to engage the huge prospective that Lagos offers across various sectors.
The Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, stated that while partnerships are essential to success, there exists an urgent need to improve the volume of trade between both countries.
In his words: “The potential for synergy between our industries is immense, and I am confident that together we can unlock new markets, create jobs, and drive economic development. We must be ready to change the trajectory of the bilateral trade volume between our two countries, which has declined from $14.95 billion in 2022 to $7.89 billion in 2024.”
