By Rasheeda Hamidu
Nigeria and Thailand have agreed to strengthen cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy, technology and other strategic sectors as both countries seek to expand their bilateral partnership and investment opportunities.
The development followed a meeting between Vice President Kashim Shettima and Thailand’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister, Sihasak Phuangketkeow, on Wednesday in Abuja, with the two countries also exploring broader economic cooperation.
Shettima said Nigeria’s relationship with Thailand should move beyond traditional trade in crude oil and rice, urging greater cooperation in agriculture, information and communications technology, renewable energy and solid minerals.
He said Nigeria’s large market, young population and natural resources created opportunities for Thai businesses to invest and expand their activities in the country.
Shettima also highlighted the importance of Thailand’s experience in intermediate technology, particularly in agriculture and related sectors, as Nigeria seeks to improve productivity and strengthen its domestic economy.
Phuangketkeow described Nigeria as a strategic partner for Thailand and said his country was seeking stronger economic and people-to-people relations with African countries through the proposed Thailand-Africa Initiative.
He said agriculture would be a key area of cooperation under the initiative, while Thailand was also interested in sharing expertise in areas including universal health coverage and tourism.
Earlier, Nigeria and Thailand held their first bilateral consultations in Abuja on Monday, where both countries identified agriculture, food and energy security, technology, renewable energy and technical cooperation as areas for expanded collaboration.
The two countries also recognised their potential as gateways to Africa and Southeast Asia, with Thailand expressing readiness to strengthen cooperation in agricultural and aquaculture technologies, human-resource development and other areas of sustainable development.
NatureNews notes that deeper cooperation in agriculture, renewable energy and technology could support Nigeria’s efforts to strengthen food and energy security while creating opportunities for technology transfer, investment and more sustainable development.
