Nigeria, Greece strenghten economic diplomacy

AS part of moves to harness from each other available business potential, the Federal government and that of Greece have concluded arrangements to strengthen existing relations into more productive areas.
Speaking in Abuja when he received the new Greek Ambassador to Nigeria in his office, Minister of Commerce and Industry, Chief Achike Udenwa (Foto) who noted that the existing relationship between the two countries was that of imports from Greece into Nigeria, stressed that Greece has been Nigeria’s major trading partner.
The Minister called on the new Ambassador to ensure that during his tenure in the country and in the discharge of his duties, more serious investments in the real sector are created between both countries, adding that there was also the need for him to as a matter of urgency convene a business meeting between Nigerian businessmen and their Greek counterparts where they will brainstorm on vary salient business issues.
According to him, “Economic diplomacy is now more important than ever. It is what makes diplomatic relationships mutually beneficial. Trade is important, but more concrete business and economic relations is much better. Greece has been a major player in Nigeria’s economy over the years. That the country’s investors are still in Nigeria today testifies to the good business climate existing in our country.
“Our imports from Greece have continued to grow. We need more serious investments in the real sector. That is the way the relationship can truly benefit both sides. We need to consolidate on the relationship we tied in 2008.There is a wild range of business opportunities for both countries to tap from.” Earlier in his remarks, the Greece ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Dionisios Souryanos said his government was ready to expand its business relations interestin Nigeria.