PROTOCOL
1. Let me first and foremost seize this opportunity to express my heartfelt gratitude to the organizers of this very important event and the Business community gathered here today, for your contributions and support towards the successful organization of the Nigeria-South Africa Business Forum.
2. As the Business Forum draws to a close, I most sincerely, on behalf of my Government and the good people of Nigeria, wish to thank you all for your robust presentations and productive, interactive sessions at this Business Forum.
3. I would like to seize this opportunity to commend the experts and officials of both countries, for your commitment and diligence that have led to a very fruitful and successful conclusion of this long overdue Business Forum. The deliberations, which focused on Mining; Power; Banking and Finance; Oil and Gas; Agricultural Value Chains; as well as other trade issues mark a new milestone in the bilateral and economic relations between our two Governments and people.
4. With the successful deliberations and effective networking that will hopefully result into significant improvement in the trade and investments flow between Nigeria and South Africa today, I am convinced that the visions, aspirations and wishes of my brother, President Zuma and myself, in bringing to the front burner, interests and concerns of both the Public and Private Sectors of our two countries would be realized.
5. The success stories of this Business Forum will indeed not only deepen the bilateral and economic relations between our two sister countries but would also stimulate growth in the other socio-economic activities as well as increase the volume and value of trade between our two sister countries. Nigeria and South Africa need to play a leading role in promoting intra regional trade and the achievement of the economic integration objectives of the African Union in the foreseeable future.
6. Your Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen, recognizing that infrastructure remains a binding constraint to competitiveness and profitability in doing business, my Administration has embarked on a number of reforms in the Power and Energy Sectors, Road Construction and Infrastructural Development to mention but a few.
7. I would want to assure all investors that my Government will continue to ensure full implementation of the backward integration policy which has given rise to the improved investment climate in Nigeria.
8. On the issue of security which is a global phenomenon, my Government is not relenting in her efforts to frontally combat crimes and defeat terrorism in all its ramifications and thus make Nigeria the best and the desired investment destination in Africa. I assure all investors in Nigeria and prospective investors, of safety of lives and property and urge you to come and take advantage of the numerous investment opportunities and the very attractive package of incentives to invest in the real sector of our ever growing economy.
9. Your Excellencies, distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, I want to reiterate once again that Nigerians are ready to work with their South African counterparts at both private and public levels to achieve the desired mutual economic benefits. We must be proud of our joint accomplishments today. Once more, I thank the entire delegation from both sides for their hard work and commitment to this Forum.
10. Thank you and God bless.
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