24 October 2019
The Bangladeshi High Commissioner to Nigeria, His Excellency, Md Shameem Ahsan on Sunday 20th of October 2019 had an interactive session with the President and EXCO members of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture at the Transcorp Hotel, Calabar NEGROIDHAVEN has garnered.
The High Commissioner who was accompanied by Mr. Mohammed Shah Hoque, the 3rd Secretary & Head of Chancery of the High Commission explained that he was meeting with the Calabar Chamber of Commerce and Industry to explore ways of extending bilateral commercial and economic relations between Nigeria and Bangladesh and to inform the business community in Cross River state of the enormous opportunities for trade and commercial relations between the 2 countries. He also informed the Chamber of Bangladesh’s jute, garment & textile, fishery & aquaculture and pharmaceutical industries and hoped that there can be areas of trade and collaboration in those areas. He invited the Calabar Chamber of Commerce for a Trade Mission to Bangladesh as a way to open the relationship.
The President of the Calabar Chamber of Commerce & Industry, Mr. Eta W. Ndoma-Egba welcomed the High Commissioner heartily and noted the similarities that both Countries shared. He applauded Bangladesh for the significant development they have achieved in the short period they have been independent. He called for the strengthening of economic and commercial relations between both countries and decried the low level of trade between both countries which is put at $14 million only.
While accepting the High Commissioner’s invitation to visit Bangladesh, Mr Eta W Ndoma-Egba identified areas of possible cooperation including the jute bag industry in Bangladesh and the cocoa & cashew farmers in the State; the State’s garment factory and the garment & textile industries in Bangladesh, possible collaboration between the pharmaceutical factory in the state with the Bangladeshi pharmaceutical industry. Mr. David Etim, a Council member of the Chamber identified the fishery industry as a quick win for both countries, noting that the Coast of Calabar is one of the most prolific tuna fields in the world and a collaboration and investment in the Canning of Tuna fish in the state would be beneficial to both countries. The Executive Secretary of the Chamber, Mr Kenneth Asim Ittah called on the High Commissioner to facilitate a sister chamber relationship between the Calabar Chamber of Commerce and the Chittagong Chamber of Commerce because of the similarities between both regions and Chambers and possible commencement of direct shipping services between the Port of Chittagong and Calabar Port as a gateway into Nigeria. Other Chamber members in attendance included a past President of the Chamber, Mr Efa Imoke and the Vice President, Agric of the Chamber, Mr Muyi Ladoja.
In his contribution, Mr Gabe Onah, Chairman Carnival Commission noted that the High Commissioner had accepted for Bangladesh to participate in the 2019 Christmas festival and would open an investment & cultural booth at the Christmas village. He called on the Calabar Chamber of Commerce to take a stand at the Christmas village and participate as a non-competing band during Carnival Calabar.
