The Vice President of Abuja Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), Mr. Anene Johnson Somadina, paid a visit to the D-8 Secretariat on 11 January, 2019. Director I, Mr. Nasir Aminu welcomed Mr. Anene and thanked him for the courtesies extended during the Secretary-General’s visit to Abuja in December 2018.

The Vice President emphasized that the private sector is the prime mover in spurring growth, hence the public sector should work towards facilitating business activities at all levels. The D-8 and ACCI are planning to sign an MoU. The MoU is aimed at strengthening cooperation in Trade, Agriculture, Agric product market, Tourism, Investment, Industrial Cooperation, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) Development and Youth and Women Empowerment. These are crucial sectors with high propensity to promote cooperation and contribute to economic development and social progress in D-8 countries. He assured that a draft MoU will soon be sent to the Secretariat.

Mr. Anene mentioned that ACCI hosts international trade fairs and exhibitions and thus seeks the assistance of the D-8 Secretariat to promote their activities in D-8 Member States as widely as possible with a view to attracting participants. He also added that special packages will be given to companies from D-8 Member States.

On his part, Mr. Nasir informed the Vice President on the upcoming D-8 events as well as the Project Support Fund. He invited entrepreneurs from Member-States to come up with innovative project ideas in order to benefit from the fund.

The meeting was also attended by IT Expert, Mr. Sheikh Mohammad Moinuddin and Executive Secretary, Ms. Aynur Triyaki.