News in brief:
– Kano State partners with Tunisia to enhance garment production, dairy processing, and trade relations.
– Governor Yusuf emphasises Kano’s role as a commercial hub and highlights the benefits of international collaboration.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has proposed a strategic partnership with Tunisia to boost garment production and agricultural development. The proposal was made during a visit by the Tunisian ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Mohsen Antit, who led a high-powered delegation of government officials and business representatives to the Kano Government House.
Strengthening economic ties
A statement by the Governor’s spokesperson, Sanusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, revealed that the partnership will focus on garment production, dairy processing, and dyeing industries. Governor Yusuf emphasised leveraging the expertise and resources of both regions to drive economic growth.
To facilitate collaboration, Governor Yusuf directed the state’s Ministry of Investment, Commerce, and Industries, alongside the Ministry of Agriculture, to organise an exhibition highlighting Kano’s economic strengths for the Tunisian delegation. The visit aligns with the ongoing Tunisia-Nigeria Multi-Sectoral Economic Forum, aimed at fostering deeper ties in agriculture, infrastructure, culture, and trade.
Kano’s commercial position and international trade
Welcoming the delegation, Governor Yusuf reaffirmed Kano’s status as a major commercial hub in sub-Saharan Africa. He noted that Tunisia’s engagement with Kano marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral trade, particularly in agriculture, where both regions hold vast investment potential.
The Governor also underscored the strategic importance of the Kano Dry Port in facilitating international trade. He revealed that local businesses are preparing to import goods from Tunisia through the facility, a move expected to boost cross-border commerce.
Governor Yusuf expressed appreciation for Tunisia’s hospitality towards 17 Kano entrepreneurs who recently visited the country for business engagements. He assured that Kano would reciprocate by creating a welcoming environment for Tunisian investors.
To solidify the partnership, he directed the Managing Director of the Kano State Investment Promotion Agency (KAN-INVEST) to accompany Ambassador Antit on a tour of key economic sites across the state.
Tunisia’s response and future prospects
In his remarks, Ambassador Mohsen Antit commended Kano’s economic potential and lauded the warm reception accorded to his delegation. He reaffirmed Tunisia’s commitment to long-term partnerships and expressed optimism about the productive discussions held with Kano’s business community and government agencies.
The visit concluded with both parties expressing confidence in a stronger Kano-Tunisia relationship, paving the way for increased trade, investment, and cultural exchange. This development further cements Kano’s position as a key player in regional and international markets.
