Nigeria, Thailand move to deepen ties in technology, agriculture, renewable energy
Nigeria and Thailand have agreed to strengthen bilateral relations in technology, agriculture, commerce and renewable energy, with Vice-President Kashim Shettima calling for a strategic review of existing partnerships between the two countries.
Shettima made the call on Wednesday when he received a delegation from Thailand led by its Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
The Vice-President, who spoke on behalf of President Bola Tinubu, said Nigeria’s relationship with Thailand should move beyond existing areas of cooperation such as crude oil and rice production.
“I believe that our relationship should go beyond transactions in crude oil, rice production and so on. So, there is a need for us to review our bilateral relationship at a strategic level,” Shettima said.
He identified agriculture, information and communications technology, renewable energy and solid minerals as areas with significant potential for investment and partnership.
“Nigeria is a large market. There are enormous opportunities for partnership and investment in agriculture, ICT, renewable energy, and solid minerals, and we have a young population and workforce,” he said.
Shettima also urged Thai businesses and investors to expand their operations in Nigeria, citing the country’s strategic position in Africa, large market, young population and abundant natural resources.
The Vice-President said Nigeria was particularly interested in Thailand’s experience in deploying intermediate technology to improve agricultural production and other related sectors.
Phuangkeow, who was on his first visit to Africa, described Nigeria as a strategic partner for Thailand and praised what he described as the ongoing transformation under the Tinubu administration.
