The President of the Association of Business people and Investors of Turkey and Nigeria (ABINAT), Mr. Yavuz Zemheri, said Nigerian women who are involved in developing and implementing business plans and ideas would provide a catalyst for poverty reduction, economic growth and development of the nation.
According to THIS DAY, he made this known at the first ever ABINAT Business Women mocktail, which took place in Abuja recently.
Zemheri noted that on the African continent, the involvement of women in entrepreneurship has not been fully explored for the potential it offers. “But the role of women in business much be emphasised and the potential of their involvement to world economy must be harnessed maximally,” he said.
The business group, he disclosed, already has over 40,000 members and exposes members to business opportunities and to assess discounts. It was formally established in Nigeria in 2012 and has already organised trade fairs and business tours between Nigeria and Turkey.
Zemheri noted that ABINAT has also brought hundreds of business people and investors from Turkey to Nigeria to showcase opportunities that abide in Nigeria and show them how to navigate the bureaucratic waters of Nigeria’s business climate.
The Convener of the mocktail, Ms. Ayse Digit, explained that the essence of the gathering was to provide a platform for women entrepreneurs to network, get to know each other and even collaborate on business deals for mutual benefit.
“It is not just about doing business in Turkey, but for women to explore business opportunities and ideas,” Yigit said.
Some business women who spoke at the meeting urged the participants to explore the business opportunities offered by the growing relationship between Nigeria and Turkey. Others relayed their experiences in doing business with Turkish partners through ABINAT.
Participants were offered discounts on an upcoming business tour organised by ABINAT to Turkey in March 2015 to explore opportunities in the area of textiles, furniture, cosmetics packaging materials and others, at high quality and competitive prices.
Turkey imports about 90 per cent of its sesame seeds needs from Nigeria, it also imports several other agricultural products. Trade figures between entrepreneurs from both countries are currently put at about $1.5 billion.
If i may say, this is very true, isn’t it? Our women need to focus more on establishing themselves rather than competing with men for official positions. Let us leave the office for the men and focus more on being our own entrepreneurs. Do you agree with me on this?
