PDP, ANC Seek Business Alliance

Mathews Phosa

By Chuks Okocha

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Monday  solicited  business  partnership with South Africa’s ruling African National Congress (ANC) in boosting strong socio-economic ties between both countries.

Also, the PDP and ANC expressed hopes that if the alliance is formed, it will go a long way in not only enhancing unity in the countries but also go a long way in entrenching cordial relationship between Nigeria and South Africa especially through business investments.

Receiving the ANC delegation led by its Treasurer General, Dr Mathews Phosa, at his residence in Abuja yesterday, the National Chairman of the PDP, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur, said it was time the ruling parties in Africa came together to help in strengthening Africa’s peace and fortify trade and investments across the continent.

“We believe that the ruling parties in Africa must build stronger ties and have a common platform to articulate the challenges facing the African continent and stimulate a peaceful United States of Africa.

“We must also explore the potentials of trade and investments across the countries in Africa as it remains a viable tool in harnessing the potentialities in the continent,” Tukur stated.

The PDP chairman praised the ANC and South Africa for being great allies to Nigeria, noting that the trade and bilateral agreements between both countries have led to sporadic investments between the two countries.

He called on South African businessmen to tap into building more refineries, exploiting solid minerals and also the possibilities of investing in the health and agric sectors.

Speaking earlier, the ANC Treasurer General, Phosa, said he and his team were in Nigeria to return the visit of the PDP some months ago to South Africa, and also seek ways of exploiting both countries huge potential especially in the areas of trade and investment.
He added that both parties stand to learn and gain a lot from each other.

Some notable South African businessmen on the entourage of Dr  Phosa included the Executive Chairman, Guma Group, Robert Gumede, Executive Chairman, Paramount Group. Ivor Ichikowitz, Executive Director, Guma Group, Mario Pikan, and Executive Director, Paramount Group, Eric Ichikowitz.