Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Ahmed Garba Bichi, has called for the formation of the Netherlands/Nigeria Trade Commission that would be saddled with the responsibility of monitoring and implementing the economic and other trade agreements.

The minister also emphasised the need for exchange of trade mission and information on export products, adding that members of the organised private sectors (OPS) of both the Netherlands and Nigeria should be encouraged to exchange visits with a view to exploring market opportunities for the products of both countries.

Bichi who made the call when some Dutch (Netherlands) investors, led by the Nigerian Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. (Mrs) Nimota Akanbi, paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja. He told the investors to focus more on Nigeria's non-oil sector of the economy for investment.

In a statement made available to LEADERSHIP on Tuesday, by the Press secretary to the minister, Mr. Patrick Iwhiwhu, the minister stressed the need for any willing investors to go beyond investing in the nation's oil industry, as there were many opportunities in Nigeria's non-oil sector, including, agriculture and solid minerals, among others.

While assuring the delegation of government's determination in providing and sustaining conducive environment to do business in the country, the minister explained the initiative of the Nigerian federal ministry of commerce and industry to develop the industrial base of the country via the new industrial strategy of "cluster concept, which he urged the investors to explore.