Press Releases

Fashola Receives Largest Trade Delegation From Singapore, Calls For Greater Collaboration

Oct 12, 2009 - Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola (SAN) on Monday received members of Singapore’s largest trade delegation to any African country with a call for increased collaboration between the Government of Singapore and Nigeria.

Governor Fashola who spoke when he received representatives of the delegation led by the Singaporean Minister of State for Trade and Industry. Mr. Lee Yi Shyan at the Lagos House, Ikeja said there is so much to be done together and so much to collectively benefit through such collaboration adding that with globalization, the whole world is becoming smaller.

He added that the future of the world’s economy depends on what happens in Africa, which historically was where all the raw materials that serviced the major economies came from.

He affirmed that no country is better positioned than Nigeria with the largest concentration of people in Africa to be natural market and choice for investments into the Continent, just as Lagos as the most populous city has strategic advantage which commends it as the first point of call for investments into Nigeria.

He explained that as the discussion between officials of both countries progress, it can signpost areas where new ground can be broken such as in the area of water delivery in which the State intends to tap into the experience of Singapore.

Governor Fashola advised the team from Singapore to take more than a passing interest in the Lagos Economic Summit named Ehingbeti which holds every two years, adding that the summit represents a melting pot for all investors and investment opportunities which should not be missed.

He added that the next one which is billed for March 2010 should be attended by representatives of the Singaporean Government and business community.

The Lagos State Governor thanked the Singaporean honorary Consul in Nigeria, Mr. Haresh G. Aswani for his efforts in cementing relations between Nigeria and Singapore.

Speaking earlier, the Singaporean Minister of State for Trade and Industry said the delegation is the largest from Singapore to have ever come to Africa.

He added that the delegation is made up of members of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Singaporean Business Federation.

He said since he arrived in Nigeria with his delegation, the team has seen the potentials of Lagos and is excited about the future businesswise, adding that several members of the delegation were already having meetings with potential business groups and partners.

Mr Shyan explained that Singapore faced an economic situation which Nigeria is facing now over 40 years ago, adding that with the new spirit of cooperation, there would be a renaissance of relationship.

He said the only and best way forward in terms of development is to have the Private and Public sector working together.

Among those who joined the Governor in receiving the team from Singapore were Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl Francisco Abosede, Commissioner for Environment, Dr Muiz Banire, Special Adviser on Commerce and Industry, Mrs Sola Oworu and Special Adviser in the Governor’s Office, Mr Sunny Ajose

Key members of the Singaporean delegation included Mr. Tan Yee Kelvin, an Assistant Director in the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Ms. Tan Mui Joanna, Assistant Director, Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mr. Teo Siong Seng, President, Singapore Chinese Chambers of Commerce and industry and Mr. Shabbir Hassanbhai, the Singapore High Commissioner to Nigeria.