Report has shown that four Dutch companies: Unilever, Heineken, FrieslandCampina and VION are included in the global top 40 Food and Beverage Packaging companies. The first 3 companies operate here in Nigeria.
The Netherlands is also the second-largest exporter of agri-food products in the world, surpassed only by the US which has a surface area of 296-times greater.
In a related development, Mr. Michel Deelen, Head of Lagos Office, Netherlands Embassy hosted business acquaintances with some Dutch companies at the Netherlands Embassy in Lagos Office to a New Year’s Reception Party held at his residence on Friday 20th January, 2017.
Deelen, in his welcome address revealed that despite the economic recession, Netherlands recorded about 3 Billion Euros profit in its trade engagement with Nigeria in 2016 which is a lot lesser than 2015.
“Looking at the overall balance of business last year between Nigeria and the Netherlands, it was a lot less than the year before, but we still get about 3 Billion Euros. It was not only in crude and refined product there was also machineries, investments and services,” he reiterated.
He disclosed that due to the revenue generated, Netherlands now ranked 3rd place as Nigeria’s International trader partner globally adding that The Dutch community will further strengthened itself by increasing its economic activities in Nigeria to keep the position.
He stated part of The Dutch office programme this year is to focus a lot on private sector development in Nigeria with the use of business incubators that will support young Nigeria starters as well as businesses in Lagos, Abuja and Jos.
He disclosed that the Dutch is increasing its efforts with different Ministries in Abuja to convince them in developing favourable economic policy which will be basically to the advantage of all and sundry.
“Another sector where we are obviously focusing on are Energy and Agriculture. Gas sector is really full of untapped resources. Gas is something we shall see new development happening this year and let’s hope that it will come to good conclusion,” he stressed. He however said that Netherlands will Lead an Economic Trade Missions to Nigeria in February 2017.
The Party was well attended by the Dutch Community, Diplomats, CEO/MD of FMCG, Packaging and Labelling companies together with: Mr. Yves Nicolet, Consul General of Switzerland in Lagos; Mr. Andrea Pompermaier, Consul General of Italy; Mr. James Plasman, Economic Officer United States Consulate; Mr. Younghoan LEE, Consul General Embassy of the Republic of Korea; Mr. Subbu Ramesh, Second Secretary, Head of Chancery, Office of High Commission India; Mr. Shex O. Ladipo, MD Lisabi Mills Nig. Ltd; Dr. Frank Jacobs, President Manufacturers Association of Nigeria; Mr. Abiodun Dina, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor (General Duties) & Mr. Osinowo Adesanya, Senior Admin & Human Resource Officer both of Lago State Government. Also in attendance were Mr. Ravi Hemnani, Primlaks/Venus Processing and Packaging Limited; Mr. Arnold Balledux, Vice President Animal Feed & Protein Olam Grains Ms Shade Bembatoum-Young, CEO African Sustainable SME Export Trade Solutions and others.