Shettima seeks strategic review of bilateral relations as Thailand proposes new Africa partnership to expand trade and investment
Vice President Kashim Shettima disclosed this on Wednesday when he received a Thai delegation led by Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Yousef Hassan Khalawi, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.
Representing President Bola Tinubu, Shettima said Nigeria was seeking a strategic review of its relationship with Thailand to expand cooperation beyond traditional areas of trade.
Nigeria and Thailand are set to deepen bilateral cooperation in agriculture, technology, commerce and renewable energy as both countries explore new opportunities for investment and economic development.
He said Nigeria could benefit from Thailand’s expertise in intermediate technology, particularly in agriculture and other productive sectors.
The Vice President highlighted Nigeria’s large consumer market, youthful population and abundant natural resources as major opportunities for Thai investors, particularly in agriculture, information and communication technology, renewable energy and solid minerals.
He urged the Thai government and its business community to strengthen their engagement with Nigeria, stressing that deeper economic cooperation would benefit both countries.
Khalawi, who was making his first visit to Africa, described Nigeria as a strategic partner for Thailand and an influential voice in the Global South.
He disclosed Thailand’s plan to establish a Thailand-Africa Initiative aimed at strengthening economic relations, business partnerships, agricultural cooperation and people-to-people exchanges with key African countries.
The proposed initiative is expected to provide a broader framework for Thailand to expand its economic and investment ties with Nigeria and other African countries.