Arc. Bob Achanya, the President of the Nigeria-Bangladesh Business and Technology Forum (NBBTF), accompanied by Ms. Okonkwo Faith Munachi, NBBTF staff, paid a congratulatory and courtesy visit to the High Commissioner of Bangladesh to Nigeria, Mr. Masudur Rahman on the 25th of January 2024
Present at the meeting were the High Commissioner, his secretary, the NBBTF President, and his staff.
The visit commenced with a cordial exchange of pleasantries between the High Commissioner and the NBBTF President and staff.
Subsequently, the High Commissioner commended the remarkable efforts and activities of the NBBTF President, recognizing their significant contributions. In return, the NBBTF President expressed appreciation for the High Commissioner’s role in the Nigeria Bangladesh relations. Discussions then transitioned towards avenues for improving Nigeria Bangladesh bilateral relations.
The High Commissioner highlighted the need for a robust growth of the Nigerian economy, emphasizing the need to harness the diaspora sector and proposed that Nigeria could glean insights from Bangladesh’s approach, ensuring the well-being of Nigerians abroad to harness their knowledge for national development.
Responding, the NBBTF President disclosed eagerness of various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) and individuals to share knowledge and experiences with Bangladesh.
Furthermore, the NBBTF President informed the High Commissioner about an upcoming exhibition on Blue Economy, stating that he wants Bangladesh’s active involvement. The exhibition aims to explore the potential of the blue economy, with a focus on Agriculture and waterfront enterprises, online development, mirroring the American University of Bangladesh’s successes in this regard. Notably, three MDAs were already prepared to engage.
Acknowledging the prospects of the blue economy, the High Commissioner expressed Bangladesh’s willingness to provide an experienced workforce for garment making, particularly to empower women. He emphasized the quality of textiles produced in Bangladesh and proposed the establishment of a garment-making industry in Nigeria to improve the economy by reducing imports of garments and textiles.
In response, the NBBTF President suggested starting as Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) due to the capital-intensive nature of the garment industry.
The High Commissioner commended the NBBTF President’s innovative ideas and said he always reciprocated by sharing his own insights.
Concluding the meeting, the High Commissioner extended an open invitation for quarterly discussions with the NBBTF to delve deeper into future activities and plans, fostering a sustained partnership between Nigeria and Bangladesh.
