The Nigerian government says to improve its economy, a high premium must be placed on increasing agricultural investments, fostering the expansion and viability of small and medium-sized businesses.
The Minister of State for Industry Trade and Investment, Mariam Katagum who disclosed this while hosting a Trade delegation from the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Abuja said the Government welcomes more foreign direct investments in renewable energy, particularly in Agriculture and Horticulture sectors which offer more incentives to potential investors.
“To create wealth Agriculture has been among the keen measures for this present Administration, and we are prioritizing agriculture in terms of the available incentives,” she said.
The Minister said that Nigeria under President Buharis has championed the development of Micro Small and Medium enterprises (MSMEs) to diversify the economy from oil to non-oil sector.
She added that as a result, the Federal Government has set up Free Trade Zones, have MSMEs Clinics and working with the vibrate Private Sectors which are the engine of the economy.
Amb. Katagum assured the delegation that Nigeria is open to collaborations and requested that among others, they should investigate the e-commerce and digital economy which is presently increasing the Gross Domestic Profit (GDP) of the economy.
The Minister however, assured the delegation of a favourable disposition to business collaborations.
Earlier, the Director Sustainable Economic Development, Ambassador for Business and Development of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Steve Collet said the delegation seeks a joined Investment Partnership with focus on the Youth, Agriculture and Education while it is hoped that this visit will help to refresh the 2010 Memorandum of understanding (MOU) between Nigeria and the kingdom of Netherlands.
