THISDAY

Tinubu: Critical Reforms Boosting Nation's Investment Climate

- Deji Elumoye

President Bola Tinubu has said that Nigeria's investment climate has been boosted by critical new reforms, with an array of opportunit­ies across sectors for investors.

Speaking yesterday during the presentati­on of letter of credence by the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Nigeria, Vice-Admiral Kim Pan Kyu, at the State House, the President said Nigeria is a huge market for Korean products, particular­ly for Korean goods manufactur­ed and produced in Nigeria, while emphasisin­g that Nigerian goods will be of great benefit to the Korean market.

Highlighti­ng the favourable economic outlook of the country, President Tinubu invited more South Korean companies to leverage these opportunit­ies by establishi­ng production bases in Nigeria.

According to him, ''I am glad that you have a very good knowledge of Nigeria and appreciate the role of our country in Africa. Our doors are open for economic opportunit­ies and trade, and I acknowledg­e that several South Korean companies and products are firmly entrenched in the Nigerian market.

''Nigerians appreciate South Korean technology, and Nigerian products can also be beneficial to South Korean markets. You need to bring more of your companies and manufactur­ing plants here. We have everything your industries require to excel as we progress over the near-term. We can partner on skill developmen­t and the systematic transfer of knowledge to further empower our country’s innovative youth population.

''We have investment opportunit­ies in the solid mineral sector and other areas, and cooperatio­n in these areas will strengthen our bilateral relations."

Recalling his fruitful discussion­s with President Yoon Suk Yeol during the G20 Summit, in New Delhi, in 2023, and their mutual commitment to strengthen cooperatio­n, the President pledged to build on the outcome of that meeting to further expand bilateral ties.

He welcomed an invitation from President Yoon to attend the first-ever South Korea-Africa Summit from June 4 to June 5, 2024, in Seoul, South Korea, and directed Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to keep him abreast of the matter.

Earlier, Ambassador Kim had underscore­d President Tinubu’s pivotal role as the Chairman of ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government and leader of Africa’s largest economy, population, and democracy.

He noted the importance of Nigeria’s participat­ion at the highest level at the Summit to enhance bilateral relations while also creating a future of prosperity for Africa and Korea as genuine partners in progress.

''Your Excellency’s visit to South Korea for the Summit will provide an excellent opportunit­y to strengthen the relations between the two nations,'' the envoy said after reading a formal invitation from President Yoon.

The President also yesterday received letters of credence from Ambassador Antit Mohsen of Tunisia and High Commission­er Muhali Imbuwa of Zambia.

At the separate events, President Tinubu emphasised the need to strengthen African unity and brotherhoo­d that not only creates economic opportunit­ies but also works toward eliminatin­g conflicts across the continent.

The President told the High Commission­er of Zambia, that African unity and cooperatio­n are important if the continent must overcome perennial conflict.

''We are ready to explore more areas of cooperatio­n that promote African brotherhoo­d and ensure sustainabl­e growth across different sectors and provide economic opportunit­ies for our citizens.

''Our doors are open, and do not hesitate to bring any challenges you may have in the course of your duty to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,'' the President said.

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