D-8 Secretary-General Ambassador Imam sets out his vision
D-8 (8 Developing Countries) Economic Cooperation Organization Secretary General Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam received UCWEP President Hasan Taşkın in his office. During the meeting, Imam encouraged Turkish business people to engage in commercial activities in Nigeria and said, “I recommend Turkish companies to conduct commercial activities and business partnerships in Lagos and Kano states, as well as Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.”
D-8 (8 Developing Countries) Economic Cooperation Organization Secretary General Ambassador Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam received UCWEP President Hasan Taşkın in his office. During the meeting, Imam encouraged Turkish business people to engage in commercial activities in Nigeria and said, “I recommend Turkish companies to conduct commercial activities and business partnerships in Lagos and Kano states, as well as Abuja, the capital of Nigeria.”
He also stated that he observed that narrow-framed study visits as well as business delegation organizations were more successful. “We will add the D-8 Business People Platform to our work. We will determine a work schedule and road map regarding this. The Nigerian government gives priority to sectors such as agricultural machinery, technologies and road-infrastructure construction. It encourages Turkish companies to focus on these areas. I recommend that Turkish companies focus on these areas. “I also believe that the private sector is the driving force for increasing trade between D-8 countries,” he said.
### Hasan Taşkın: “Türkiye’s Role is Critical”
UCWEP President Hasan Taşkın touched upon the importance of Türkiye’s role in the D-8 and said, “The investments of Turkish business people in this region will strengthen economic, cultural and social ties.” He also emphasized that the dynamics of the business world are changing and the importance of collaborations is increasing.
### New Steps for Economic Cooperation
At the meeting, a detailed evaluation was made on sectors and projects with investment potential in D-8 countries. It was decided to form joint working groups and take concrete steps by meeting regularly. In addition, the importance of delegation and study visits for the development of trade was emphasized.
### Agreement Work Has Started for New Collaborations
Work has been initiated on the Memorandum of Understanding between UCWEP and D-8 General Secretariat. This cooperation aims to contribute to the strengthening of economic and commercial relations.
### Fatih Poyraz’s Evaluation
Fatih Poyraz, Secretary General of D-8 Business People Platform, stated in his evaluation at the meeting that they aim to increase cooperation opportunities by determining areas where Turkish business people can invest in D-8 countries.
Poyraz said, “By creating joint working groups, we aim to have these groups undertake concrete projects through regular meetings. We will take steps that will contribute to increasing trade between D-8 countries.”
This meeting is considered an important step towards strengthening economic relations between D-8 and Türkiye.
D-8 Business People Platform Secretary General Fatih Poyraz and D-8 Foreign Relations, Economy and Applications Director Ambassador Punjul S. Nugraha were also present at the meeting.
