The Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (ICCD) has identified the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) as a strategic partner in its plans to expand operations in Nigeria and use the country as a gateway to the wider African market.

ICCD Secretary-General, Mr Yousef Hasan Khalawi, disclosed this during a courtesy visit to NACCIMA’s headquarters in Abuja over the weekend.

Khalawi was received by NACCIMA National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, alongside members of the association’s management team.

During the visit, the ICCD Secretary-General said the organisation intends to establish more activities in Nigeria as part of efforts to attract halal investment opportunities and strengthen the country’s emerging halal economy.

He also urged Nigeria to become more actively involved in the ICCD’s international programmes, including the London Halal Forum and Makkah Halal Forum.

Khalawi said the global halal economy is currently estimated at about $7 trillion, encompassing lifestyle products, goods and financial services.

The ICCD official, who is an international adviser in business management and development with extensive experience in the Islamic economy, was in Nigeria for the launch of the organisation’s first Halal reception in Lagos.

He described the reception as the starting point for several initiatives the ICCD intends to introduce in Nigeria, adding that the event brought together leaders from the private and public sectors.

The ICCD is an international non-governmental organization with operations across 57 countries and serves as a gateway to Muslim business communities spanning four continents.

Khalawi said the organisation is developing several programmes focused on Africa and considers Nigeria a critical partner in taking those initiatives to other parts of the continent.

He explained that Nigeria’s large and diversified economy gives the country strategic importance in the ICCD’s plans.

“There is a huge strategy behind that. Nigeria represents Africa. It is one of the largest and most diversified economies in Africa. Without Nigeria, we will never be able to achieve any of our major strategies.

Source:msme Africa online