For the first time since the outbreak of the COVID pandemic, a trade mission from Africa is visiting the Netherlands. The arrival of 30 entrepreneurs and officials from Nigeria - Africa's largest economy - on Tuesday 29 March marks a return to normal trade relations between the Netherlands and Africa.
Participants of this trade mission come from three different sectors: horticulture, renewable energy, and circular economy. They will visit the Aalsmeer flower auction, innovative companies in Westland, the Port of Rotterdam, floating solar panels and a number of leaders in the circular economy. The week starts with a seminar in The Hague, for which at least 70 Dutch companies have registered.
The Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC) is organizing the substantive part of this trade mission, commissioned by the Netherlands Administration for Entrepreneurship (RVO) and initiated by the Dutch Consulate-General in Lagos. Arie Plieger, the Dutch deputy Consul-General in Lagos, is taking part in the four-day program himself.
"Even in global turbulent political and economic times, doing business and economic cooperation with Nigeria remains essential. The Netherlands supports Nigeria in diversifying its economy and becoming less dependent on oil and gas revenues," Plieger said.
"Nigeria has a lot of economic potential for deepening cooperation in the fields of land/horticulture, energy transition, and circular economy," the deputy Consul-General stated.
"This visit marks a re-launch of the economic relationship between Africa and the Netherlands," said Rosmarijn Fens, NABC Director. "Business with Africa continued as usual during the COVID pandemic, but mainly with existing relationships. For new projects or expansion to other countries, physical missions like this are still crucial and we look forward to many more inbound and outbound trade missions later in the year."
Source: NABC