Nigeria, S/Africa to give priority to intra-regional trade – Jonathan

President Goodluck Jonathan has said that Nigeria and South Africa must   ority to intra-regional trade and play leading roles in boosting inter-regional trade in the continent.
Jonathan made this known on Tuesday at the start of the Nigeria/ South Africa Business Forum which took place in Cape Town, South Africa on Tuesday.
According to the president, the forum which has been long overdue, is expected to bring significant improvement to trade and investment between Nigeria and South Africa .
“My aspiration is that the vision of President Jacob Zuma and I will be realised in the near future,’’ Jonathan said.
Deliberations at the forum focused on mines, power, banking, finance, oil and gas
Jonathan said the success story of the forum would not only bring about stronger bilateral and economic relation between the two countries but would strengthen bonds of business and friendship among Nigerians and South Africans.
“The forum is also expected to improve on other socio-economic activities, as well as increase the volume and value of trade between the two countries,’’ Jonathan said.
In remarks,  President Jacob Zuma said that the two countries already have a growing and warm bilateral relations, structured through the Bi-National Commission which was inaugurated in 1999.
“We have today witnessed the signing of new agreements and Memorandum of understanding between our countries,” he said.
“Our ministers will ensure the effective implementation of these instruments and the conclusion of outstanding ones.” NAN