Nigeria and Singapore have
sealed deals on opening up air links between both countries. They
have also agreed to collaborate in areas such as medical tourism, capacity
development, skills acquisition and enterprise development, among others.
The
agreements were reached at a meeting between the Minister of Industry, Trade
and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, and his Singaporean counterpart, Mr. S
Iswaran, during the Nigeria-Singapore Business and Investment Forum in
Singapore. Aganga
said direct air services between Nigeria and Singapore would boost business,
provide favourable trade and investment relationship for both countries.
Iswaran
said: “Once we open up the links, the people will follow and businesses too.
Nigeria is a large country in its region and there are a lot of opportunities.
Singapore is also an important gateway in this region. If we explore these
advantages, the two countries will be better for it.”
The
Ethiopian Airlines would start direct flights from Nigeria to Singapore in
December, this year, it was learnt.
The
Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission has signed a Memorandum of
Understanding with the Enterprise International Singapore Board in five areas,
namely, collaboration in the growth sectors of the economy, sharing information
and best practice, mutual support in business missions and capacity development
facilitation.
Iswaran,
however, noted that the Double Taxation Agreement talks had reached an advanced
stage, adding that provision of investment guarantee would create more comfort
for businesses.
Aganga,
who said an agreement had been signed to develop a mini-Singapore in Abuja,
urged Singapore to take advantage of opportunities in the Free Trade Zones, for
investment.
Earlier,
the Managing Director of the Nigerian Export Processing Zones Authority, Mr
Gbenga Kuye, said the scheme was being reformed.
SOURCE: THE NATION
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