The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) has discussed ways to boost trade relations between Chad and Nigeria.

The First Deputy President of the Chamber, Dr Al-Mujtaba Abubakar stated this on Monday when he received delegates from the Chadian Embassy led by H. E Abakar Saleh Chahaimi at the ACCI Secretariat.

He told the Envoy that the Chamber, among other things, supports the businesses of its members.

“The Chamber was established about 30 years ago, and now we have grown to be one of the premier chambers in the country.

“We have a lot of connections worldwide and we are in the best position to assist in boosting business opportunities and relations between Nigeria and countries around the world.”

Al-Mujtaba also informed the gathering about the operations of the Chamber through its four Centers, adding that despite COVID-19, the Chamber will organize this year’s Trade Fair in October.

Also speaking, the Director General of the Chamber, Victoria Akai, suggested the establishment of the Nigerian – Chadian Business Council.

Also the DG informed the envoy about the upcoming Trade Fair, and said that the Chamber would work closely with the FCT Department of Health Services to ensure safety measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic.

Speaking earlier, the Chadian Ambassador to Nigeria, H.E Abakar Saleh Chahaimi sought the collaboration of ACCI to work with Chadian Chamber of Commerce in order to boast commerce between both countries.

The Ambassador recalled that in the past the trade relations between both countries was a thriving one, adding that Nigerian business men were the largest communities who settled in Chad.

He regretted that now the trade exchanges have drastically reduced due to the current insecurity around the borders and prayed that this will soon be overcome, and a new investment vision between both countries will emerge.

He stated that his embassy will start work on establishing the MOU between both country’s Chambers of Commerce adding that establishing a business council between both countries is equally important.

He also gave the assurance that his country will participate in this year’s Abuja International Trade Fair. (SS)