Republic of Benin wants increased volume of   international trade with Nigeria 

Going by the Nigeria’s present status as the largest economy on African continent and the current aggressive economic drive by Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, the Republic of Benin has moved to deepen bilateral partnership with Nigeria through Ogun state government as part of measures to increase trade volume between the two countries.

The bilateral partnership on trade centres mainly on imports and exports of essential goods and services between both countries.

Speaking in Abeokuta weekened during a working visit to Ogun State government, Koukponou Gaetan, deputy director-general, Agency for Promotion and Exportation, Benin Republic, said the agency was on a mission to improve trade relations and enhance bilateral relationship existing between the two countries, thereby increasing trade volume and creating economic value.

Gaetan noted that it was high time barriers were removed from trade relations between two countries, adding that all efforts must be taken to improve on the overhaul economy of the two countries. He said trade collaboration would also improve value of goods and services produced in both countries, while creating employment opportunites massively, just as he invited Ogun State and Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture to an international trade fair to be held later in Cotonou.

‎Responding, Bimbo Ashiru, commissioner for commerce and industry, reiterated ‎that Ogun state would continue to support regional economic and business integration agenda of the Federal government for the socio-economic development of the state, explaining that the state as the industrial hub of the country and gateway to international market would continue to establish ties with neighboring countries  in line with the International protocol.

Ashiru, who expressed Ogun State’s readiness to participate in the coming international trade fair that will be hosted later in Republic of Benin if the Agency could invite Ogun state contigent through Federal government, noted that while export remained imperative  to revenue generation, exporting nations should first satisfy the internal needs of its people, saying, “Before we think of exporting our products outside , we must satisfy our internal and regional populace.’’

RAZAQ AYINLA, Abeokuta