To attract foreign investment, the Nigerian ambassador to Netherlands, Dr. Nimota Akanbi has said that no fewer than 50 Dutch companies have indicated their interest to either start or expand their businesses in Nigeria.
A statement from the envoy quoted Managing Director of Group Netherlands, Hans Oujendendijk as saying that besides sourcing of cotton locally to stimulate the economy, wooden brand fabrics would be printed in Nigeria factory, while Vlisco would acquire and revamp some factories in Nigeria.
Hans disclosed that 1000 direct and 10000 indirect jobs would be created in the country, stressing that it is a catalyst to kick starts the Nigerian fashion industry.
He said, "Woodin would be manufactured in Nigeria with an output of more than 10million yards annually. We are also to establishing Vlisco Regional offi ce in the country and 50 retail stores".
The statement explained that textile giant Vlisco Group was ready to acquire not less than four of the ailing textile factories in the Lagos axis of the country even as the company is also set to establish tailoring academies to train hundreds of Nigerians.
According to the statement, the Minister of Trade and Investment Dr Olusegun Aganga and Ambassador Nimota Akanbi during a business forum, held a meeting with top management of APM Terminal Netherlands led by Christian Moller Laursen who said his company would be constructing a multi billion Naira multipurpose port in Badagry while expansion work on Apapa would cost more than 100million dollars.
The statement added that Aganga who was excited about the development said what Nigeria needs now is job creation, saying that government will be ready to encourage any investor ready to create jobs for Nigerians.
Akanbi commended President Goodluck Jonathan for his efforts at turning the economy around, promising to continue to woo foreign investors in line with the transformation agenda of the Federal Government.
The economic forum attracted some Nigerian governors, Minister of Water Resourses, Sarah Ochekpe, and several heads of parastatals as well as many Nigerians in Diaspora.
