From Walter Ukaegbu, Abuja
Nigeria and the United States of America (USA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on an investment instrument titled US-Nigeria Commercial Investment Dialogue (CID).
The two countries signed the MoU at the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in Abuja, yesterday.
Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, signed on behalf of Nigeria while US Secretary of Commerce, Mr. Wilbur Ross, signed on behalf the US. The CID is designed to deepen commercial and investment ties between both countries. It allows for exchange of information between the two business communities and the governments on key commercial and investment matters of importance to improving the business climate, fostering greater economic growth, modernisation and job creation.
With the agreement signed, the two countries had committed to strengthening their commercial and investment relationship by leveraging private sector participation; targeting the elimination of trade barriers and other obstacles to commercial and investment relationships; modernisation, and integration into the global economy through value supply chains; and cooperation for mutual benefit, among others.
In his statement, Enelamah said: “We’re delighted this has come to fruition, following dialogue that commenced with the previous administration of President Barack Obama to the current government of President Donald Trump. This continues to demonstrate our commitment as a government to leverage partnerships for economic growth and development.”
In his response, Mr. Ross stated that, “the CID, the newest instrument of US engagement with Nigeria, is different in that it leverages the voice of the private sector in the effort to enhance the bilateral commercial and investment relationship. I am encouraged that the CID will be an effective tool to partnering with the private sector to deepen our bilateral trade and investment relationship.”
The CID will be co-chaired at the ministerial level by the Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment and the US Secretary of Commerce (or their designees). Initial focus areas are infrastructure, agriculture, digital economy, investment and regulatory reform.