An Indian business delegation to Nigeria has invited the oil-rich African country’s businessmen to the 6th Vibrant Gujarat 2013 Summit, saying that the State serves as the gateway to India’s economy.

The delegation met executives of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and the Abuja Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ABUCCIMA) here on Monday.

The delegation was led by Vice-Chairman/CEO Gujarat Maritime Board Pankaj Kumar, who said Gujarat serves as the gateway to the economy of India with a large market and consumption capacity.

“The summit would provide the opportunity for exchanges between investors all over the world,” he said.

ABUCCIMA President Solomon Nyagba promised the attendance of members of his chamber for the Summit and asked Nigeria to emulate India in the area of public-private partnership.

On the other hand, NIPC invited businessmen from India to explore investment opportunities in the country and promised to provide assistance to prospective investors.

“We are ready to provide assistance to prospective Indian investors and we wish to tell you that Nigeria has made giant strides in economic reforms,” NIPC Executive Secretary Mustafa Bello told the delegation.

“There is a better business environment and favourable global economic arena, combined with improved policy formulation, implementation and coordination to generate a stable macroeconomic environment and increased investment,” Bello said.

Nigeria is India’s largest trading partner in Africa and trade between the two countries touched $17 billion in FY’12.

Nigeria, a country of 150 million people, is Africa’s biggest oil producer and its major export to India is crude, while the country imports chemicals, pharmaceuticals and textiles from India.

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