Ecuador, PHCCIMA partner to expand investment profile in Nigeria

Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), and the Ambassador of Ecuador to Nigeria, Leopoldo Rovayo Verdesoto, have sought new partnership opportunities as part of measures to promote Ecuadorian business interest in the state and Nigeria.

During a visit to the PHCCIMA Secretariat, Verdesoto commended Port Harcourt Chamber Of Commerce’s effort in providing significant support to businesses and contributing to stimulating the local economy, which according to him falls within statutory chamber objective.

He said PHCCIMA is strategic to his pursuit of healthy partnership as a chamber that has consistently maintained growth as the second largest and most active Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria.

Ecuador according to him has a lot of prospects which has been enhanced with government effort to promote public policies focused on knowledge and innovation, diversification, partnerships, security and incentives for foreign public-private investments among others.

According to the Ecuadorian envoy, “we are interested in export/import from both countries in products like shrimps, tuna fish, straw hats, palm heats, all varieties of coffee, prawns as well as in the area of partnering to tap from the huge value chain in cocoa production, and chocolates for which Ecuador is well-known.

Verdesoto said the delegation had earlier visited Kano Chamber of Commerce, noting that Port Harcourt is the second visit aimed at deepening Ecuador/Nigeria business relationship, showcasing investment opportunities in Ecuador. He highlighted opportunities and policies put in place by the Ecuadorian government for smooth running of businesses for investors and the Chamber.

“Let me tell you a secret you don’t know, the hairs imported through the Panama canal is got from Ecuador, but because it is transported through the Panama canal, it is brandished Panaman hair. Basically we can directly have an arrangement and collaboration to supply this hair in Nigeria because we are here to build bridges and partnerships and connect Ecuador to Nigerian businesses”.

Receiving the Ambassador of Ecuador and his delegation, President of Port Harcourt Chamber Of Commerce, Dr Emi Membere-Otaji expressed gratitude for forging a relationship and creating awareness about Ecuadorian investment opportunities and partnerships.

PHCCIMA Treasurer, Dr. Maraizu Uche suggested the constitution of a bilateral committee between the chamber and Ecuador businesses to facilitate healthy partnership. PHCCIMA according to him has established high degree of credibility over the years and this is why she has continued to soar and attract collaborations from countries and groups of repute. “We will like to have a sectoral breakdown of interest areas to enable interested investors to narrow their search”.