The Federal Government of Nigeria has reaffirmed its commitment towards creating a mutual agribusiness environment with the Netherlands, stating that both nations would continue to work together to improve bilateral trade relations and promote private sector investments.
President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday made the declaration in Abuja when he met with the Prime Minister of Netherland, Mark Rutte to discuss bilateral relations.
After the bilateral consultations between delegations of both countries, President Buhari and Prime Minister Rutte witnessed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on dairy chain development between Royal FrieslandCampina WAMCO and the Government of Niger State.
Nigeria is expected to save about 1.2 billion dollars from milk importation annually from the agreement on dairy chain development.
In a communique signed by Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Netherlands, Oji Ngofa and the Deputy Head of Mission, Netherlands Embassy in Abuja, Ewout-Jan de Wit, it was revealed that progress had been made with implementing the Memorandum of Understanding concluded and signed by the respective Foreign Ministers in The Hague in July 2018, on strengthening bilateral relations between the two nations.
It read, “Nigeria confirms its commitment to continuing reforms for a conducive business and investment environment while the Netherlands pledges to continue assisting Nigeria for an increase in agricultural productivity especially horticulture, seed, and sustainable palm oil production.”
‘‘The contribution of Dutch private businesses, both global players and small, micro and medium enterprises, to the Nigerian economy is duly noted. Investments by the Netherlands Investment Bank FMO and the Dutch Good Growth Fund are contributing to better access to finance and energy for the private sector.
Prime Minister Rutte, currently on a working visit to Nigeria is leading a trade delegation of eight Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) of Dutch multinationals currently operating in Nigeria with huge investment portfolios in the agriculture, finance, oil and gas sectors.
SOURCE: AGRONIGERIA
