Jose Silva, Prime Minister of Cape Verde, has promised a better partnership and increase in trade volumes between Nigeria and Cape Verde in the coming years.
Silva made the promise in Abuja during the official opening of the first-ever Embassy of Cape Verde in Nigeria and stressed that tourism and transportation would be given topmost priority.
While speaking to newsmen after the opening, Silva, who spoke through an interpreter, said the establishment of the embassy was a great step towards fostering better cooperation and regional integration.
The Prime Minister jokingly said that both countries could talk about football and revealed that both countries would gain from each other with the cooperation that was being established.
He said: “The opening of this embassy means to strengthen the relationship between Cape Verde and Nigeria both politically and culturally.
“Also, we will strengthen relationship with Cape Verde as well as its integration within the ECOWAS region.
“We are going to lure more private investments to Cape Verde, we want to bring more tourists from Nigeria. We already have many travellers from Nigeria to Cape Verde.
“We already have some investments there from other African countries like the Floating Hub, which is an investment by a Malian.
“We believe that politically and culturally, we have a lot to offer, even as a tourist destination.”
He remarked that the current trade volume between both countries was low and expressed optimism that the volume would increase.
He said: “The trade volume between Nigeria and Cape Verde is pretty much weak for now, but, when it comes to trade, it is important to increase or improve the maritime and airline connections to increase the figures.
“Also, when it comes to free trade zones, it would play an important role if you invest in the connection between the region and Cape Verde in order to raise the figure.”
