Nigeria’s trade exports to Sweden have remained on an upward trajectory hitting N222.713 billion as at 2015 while Swedish exports to Nigeria is N74.237 billion.
Swedish Minister for European Union (EU) Affairs and Trade, Mrs. Ann Linde, who is the leading Swedish business delegation to Nigeria, revealed this.
Linde, who spoke to newsmen in Lagos on the sidelines of meetings with Nigeria’s business community organised by Ericsson Nigeria focusing on Swedish innovations within Smart Cities and information and communications technology (ICT), said her team is seeking opportunities that will increase the trade relations and volumes between it and Nigeria.
She said Swedish exports to Nigeria on the other hand is SEK 2.1 billion (N74.237 billion) noting that the coming of the Swedish delegation to Nigeria was to majorly promote trade between the two countries, stressing that Sweden recognised Nigeria as an investment destination and her largest trade partner in Africa.
“The aim of the delegation is to highlight business opportunities in Nigeria for Swedish companies. The focus of the delegation is developing sustainable and smart societies using Swedish innovations in ICT, transport, energy, health and finance,” she said.
The Envoy said Sweden is the highest ranked country in terms of connectivity, digital economy and e-governance and has a strong tradition in innovation in different sectors of the economy. She said Sweden is conceived as one of the most advanced post-industrialised economies and Swedish companies are perceived as innovative, reliable and good partners.
Speaking about Nigeria, Linde said the country is the largest and fastest growing middle class globally, stressing that there is ongoing effort by the current government to diversify its economy; hence, “during this visit the Swedish experience and how its innovations and ICT technology can enhance productivity in many sectors will be shared.”
She also hinted that the Swedish intent to bolster commercial ties goes beyond single business opportunities and industry sectors, but extends to strategic collaborations with not only private businesses but also public sector and academia.
