Expo 2020 a unique platform for Nigerian business community

Inayat-ur-Rahman, Gulf Today

The Nigerian-Arabian Gulf Chamber of Commerce (NAGCC) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, with the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment; to showcase the huge investment and trade opportunities in Nigeria, to visiting dignitaries and business people from the entire world, at the Expo 2020, to be hosted in Dubai.

 To mark this development, Mohammed Dansanta Rimi, the Ambassador of Nigeria to the UAE and Commissioner General for Nigeria, paid a courtesy visit to Mahmood Ahmadu, the President of the NAGCC, to congratulate him on the signing of the MoU.

Ahmadu, a Dubai based entrepreneur with global business interests, is a noted philanthropist, who has been lauded by several international bodies and forums -  including FORBES and EUROKNOWLEDGE – for his investment in development activities in Nigeria, and other African nations.

 NAGCC and the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment will collaborate to showcase the trade and FDI opportunities that Nigeria presents, at the rescheduled Expo 2020 event. The partnership aims to harness the platform of Expo 2020 to showcase trade, commerce and investment opportunities between Nigeria, the GCC and the rest of the world.  In line with this objective, the NAGCC will also host Investment Forums inside and outside the Expo during the 6 months of the Expo’s tenure, for the global business community, representatives of governments from around the world and other visiting dignitaries.

“The eyes of the entire world will be on the upcoming Expo 2020”, says Mahomood Ahmadu. “It will be a unique global platform, for Nigeria, and the Nigerian business community, to showcase the strengths, potential and opportunities within Nigeria - one of the largest and most dynamic economies in Africa, and at the same time, the event will also draw attention to infrastructure and asset gaps in Nigeria that can benefit from an increased influx of FDI, while also presenting a mutually beneficial growth opportunity for international investors”.

“I’m humbled to have been given the responsibility by the Federal Government of Nigeria, to showcase Nigerian innovation and industry, as well as boost trade and FDI into the nation, using the unique opportunity that Expo 2020 presents”,  Ahmadu concluded. “The Expo has the potential to attract huge investments, lead to important agreements, and promote international cooperation and drive trade and investment. I was deeply touched and honoured by the visit by  Mohammed Dansanta Rimi; his guidance will be critical in ensuring the success of the cooperation between the NAGCC and the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, to present the robust investment opportunities in Nigeria to the world”.

Dubai will welcome visitors from every corner of the globe from Oct.1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 to join the making of a new world, as it brings together the planet in one place to reimagine tomorrow.

With the purpose of ‘Connecting Minds, Creating the Future’, Expo 2020 will be the world’s most impactful global incubator for new ideas, catalysing an exchange of new perspectives and inspiring action to deliver real-life solutions to real-world challenges.

Expo 2020 will be the biggest cultural gathering in the world, presenting a visually striking and emotionally inspiring 182 days, as more than 200 participants – including nations, multilateral organisations, businesses, and educational institutions, as well as millions of visitors – create the largest and most diverse World Expo ever.

Expo 2020’s subthemes of Opportunity, Mobility and Sustainability will inspire visitors to preserve and protect our planet, explore new frontiers and build a better future for everyone.

For six months, Expo 2020 will be a must-visit family destination, with thousands of events, amazing exploratory experiences, and free entry for children up to age 18.

Expo is committed to building a more equitable and just world for everyone, while keeping visitors safe by following the latest guidance of the world’s leading medical, science and health experts. Expo 2020 is the first World Expo to take place in the Middle East, Africa and South Asia (MEASA) region, located on a 4.38 sqkm site adjacent to Al Maktoum International Airport in Dubai South. Built with a meaningful and measurable long-term legacy in mind, the Expo site will transform into District 2020 – a model global community that will rethink the cities of the future – after Expo 2020 closes its doors

Meanwhile, for six months, Peru will exhibit all its biological and cultural diversity from its 25 regions, across the Andes, the coast, the jungle and the sea. This important international event will give a strong boost to the tourism and export activity of the country, which is currently in the process of recovery. We estimate that Peru’s participation in this Expo will reach US$70 million.