Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) has agreed to enter into partnership and collaboration in the area of vocational training and development of manpower.
This was made known when the Assistant Secretary General of OACPS, Dr Ibrahim Nobert Richard led a four-man delegation from OACPS on a courtesy visit to ACCI, as part of the group visit to Nigeria for the 2022 Diaspora Day celebration organised by the National Diaspora Commission in response to the promotion of Diaspora Investment.
Dr Ibrahim who led the delegation in his remarks said, they are in ACCI knowing that the private sector has a role to play in the economic development of any nations adding that they are seeking partnership with the Chamber in various areas including training.
He also said, the European Union has a long standing partnership with National Diaspora Commission, and they are looking forward to expansion of partnership focusing on partners that operate in the South-South corporation.
“We believe that the private sector can add great value to economic development and trade as it is a major driving machine of the economy. We will create a theme for further discussion and invite ACCI to add their input to its development.”
The Director OACPS Information Centre, Patrice Niyongabo also said the main purpose of the visit was to appreciate ACCI and learn from the role the Chamber is playing in business development.
“We are here to learn from your wealth of knowledge and also share experience that will lead to economy development. Nigeria is a leader in Africa with so many lesson to learn in terms of business growth. We are also looking at engaging with the private sector for development. The private sector is the driver of any economy and also plays a major role in technology transfer.”
The Director General ACCI, Dr Victoria Akai who received the team gave a rundown of the activities of the Chamber operated within its four Centre; Abuja Trade Centre (ATC) in charge of business meetings, expos and exhibitions, Business Entrepreneurship Skills and Technology Centre (BEST Centre) in charge of trainings and skill development, Dispute Resolution Centre (DRC) in charge of alternative dispute resolution and Policy Advocacy Centre (PAC) in charge of policy issues, policy marketing and others.
The DG added that all the Centre have been adopted by Nigeria Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), the apex chamber body in Nigeria.
Dr Akai said the Chamber would be willing to partner with OACPS adding that we will appreciate if OACPS will consider going into partnership with ACCI. “If our activities go in line with your mandate as we will also want to learn and share with you. We strongly believe in ‘Africa for Africa’. So it’s an honour to partner with you.”
Signed
Olayemi John-Mensah
ACCI, Media/Strategy Officer
