One of NABC’s meetings.
For the first time a Dutch trade mission traveled to Niger. Four Dutch companies will visit the country this week, led by the Netherlands-African Business Council (NABC).
The French Niger is one of the world’s poorest countries. Yet there from the Netherlands begins to emerge a commercial interest, which results in this trade mission. The mission is led by Marina Diboma, NABC’s head of international cooperation. Diboma declared: “Someone asked me what to look for Dutch businesses in Niger. My answer was simple: Development can only take place through cooperation and exchanges. Because this development is lagging behind we see many possibilities. Netherlands can stand here.” Diboma stresses the importance of creating jobs for young people in Niger, which is the main transit country for African migrants coming to Europe.
This mission works closely with the Dutch Embassy in Mali, which is also responsible for Niger. Ambassador Jolke Oppewal is taking part in the trade mission, also this week he will present credentials to the Nigerien Government in Niamey.
One of the participants, Peter Fishermen ‘Partners for Innovation’, a consulting firm that has been working in Niger said “When I came here two years ago, I saw opportunities everywhere”. “ What has struck me that there is a great need for good products, services and consultants who can help the country in setting up projects and managing them. From the Netherlands, we can deliver this”. Explained another participant, Big Dredging interested in the dredging of the River Niger.
The trade mission to Niger is part of a four-year program that performs NABC commissioned by the Dutch Embassy in Mali. It is aimed at promoting trade relations between the Netherlands and Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso. Participating companies are: Partners for Innovation, Boode Blue Pump, BIG Machinery / BIG Dredging and Greenshields & Partners.
