Association Calls For Synergy Among Bilateral Chambers Of Commerce

The National Coordinator of Nigeria Bilateral Chambers of Commerce, Industry and Associations (NBCCIA) Mr Ayotunde Akinfolarin has called for synergy among the nation’s bilateral chambers of commerce.

Akinfolarin made the call during a two-day workshop on “Nigeria’s Bilateral Chambers of Commerce, Industry and National Economic Development”, jointly organized by the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) and Global Top Ten Enterprises.

The NBCCIA coordinator, in a paper entitled: “Bilateral Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria: Towards a Successful Synergy”, noted that the country’s bilateral chambers of commerce were yet to harmonise their operations.

“As bilateral chambers of commerce, we need to come together in articulation and harmonizing our positions and actions internally.

“We also need synergy at the level of the state, in making our harmonized positions find their way into policy advisory documents.

“It is my belief that this will make us more functional as Nigeria’s bilateral chambers of commerce.

“It will also enhance our contribution to a well-articulated economy”, he said.

Akinfolarin noted that there was lack of coordination among the various chambers.

He also enjoined the Federal Government to encourage “synergistic tendencies” among the chambers.

The coordinator said that the association would need the support of government and relevant agencies in achieving its objectives.

The association of bilateral chambers of commerce is a step in the right direction stressing that the government should be seen to encourage synergy among business concerns, through giving of incentives.

“The government should also create a market and investment-friendly environment in the country”, he said.

Prof. Alaba Ogunsanwo of Lead City University, Ibadan, in a paper titled: “Bilateral Trade Relations and Regional Economic Development: Nigeria and Asia,” said that there was a growing interest of Asian countries in Nigeria.

Ogunsanwo urged Nigerians to expect more Asian countries investments in Nigeria saying our propensity to consume and love for foreign products in very high.

“Our huge market, therefore, cannot, but be a magnet for foreign entrepreneurs interested in selling their products,” he added.