The Indonesian Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC) Lagos, as part of her mandate at deepening trade ties between Indonesia and Nigeria, organized the Port Harcourt Business Meeting, in collaboration with Nigeria – Indonesia Commercial Association (NICA), on Thursday 31 March 2022, at Swiss Spirit Hotel, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, with the Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines & Agriculture (PHCCIMA) supporting.
The event, the first in the South South geo-political zone of Nigeria, saw participation from various business groups and organizations, notably members from PHCCIMA, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the Organized Private Sector, representatives of Rivers State Government and other private sector leaders.
In his opening remarks, the event host and Director of Indonesia Trade Promotion Centre (ITPC), Lagos, Hendro Jonathan Manurung, expressed his appreciation to participants at the business meeting and assured them of ITPC Lagos commitment to providing needed information and support to Nigerian companies and business leaders in facilitating trade with Indonesian companies and manufacturing entities.
In her keynote speech, the Director of Export Development Cooperation in the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Indonesia, Mrs. Ni Made Ayu Marthini, hailed ITPC Lagos for organizing the Port Harcourt Business Meeting, and conveyed the readiness of the Indonesia Ministry of Trade to continue to work towards deepening trade and business relations between Indonesia and Nigeria. She equally informed participants that 2022 Trade Expo Indonesia will present robust opportunities for Nigerian business leaders to explore and seal business deals with Indonesian manufacturing companies in the annual expo scheduled for the last quarter of 2022.
In his opening remarks, the Minister/Counselor for Economic Affairs, Indonesian Embassy in Nigeria, Tamel Vinsen Sinabutar, said Nigeria is an important trade partner to Indonesia in Africa, as Nigeria shares many commonalities with Indonesia. He also said that it is high time for the two countries to work together using their creativity and initiatives to increase business relationships, mutual progress and prosperity for both countries.
Speaking at the event, the Rivers State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Hon. Ify Nwankpa, advised the Indonesian Government to establish more companies and investments in Nigeria, particularly in Rivers State, because according to her, Governor Nyesom Wike has created the enabling environment for businesses to thrive as he has reduced insecurity to the barest minimum. According to her, “after the ITPC Lagos delegation visited me, I understood that Nigeria do export more than we import from Indonesia. As individuals, we can travel to Indonesia for business, trade fairs and other business forums, but I can boldly tell you that Rivers State is safe for investments and investors, that is why you can see that businesses are thriving following the peaceful business climate in the state” she said.
The Port Harcourt Business Meeting saw On Site presentation by two Indonesian companies operating in Nigeria: Mayora – Prime International Nigeria Limited (confectionery) and Menjangan Sakti Group (Powder Energy Drinks & Medical Equipment).
The event also had Indonesian Companies and Manufacturers joining from Indonesia virtually. The participating companies included;
- Mitra Mulia Makmur (Kitchen Ware – Plastic);
- Setia Kawan Abadi (Beauty Care);
- Gujati 59 (Herbs for Men and Women);
- Taishan Alkes Indonesia (Covid Test Kit);
- Indocare Citrapasifik – Konimex (Supplement/Vitamin);
- Supa Surya Indonesia (Spices, Nutmeg, Pepper and Cinnamon)
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