Vice-President Shettima has welcomed a proposal for a partnership between Nigeria and the Asia Economic Development Committee of South Korea for solar equipment and electric vehicle manufacturing.

On Tuesday, Mr Shettima made the commitment when he received a delegation from the AEDC South Korea led by its chairman, Yoon Suk-hun, on a courtesy visit to the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Mr Shettima also applauded the AEDC’s proposal for advanced IT for security enhancement in Nigeria. He said Nigeria was ready for partnerships that would advance President Bola Tinubu’s administration’s industrialisation agenda and improve the citizens’ lives.

Mr Shettima assured the group that Nigeria was open to and interested in any form of arrangements that would lead to the transfer of technology. He added that the country was committed to the establishment of industries for solar equipment production and electric vehicle manufacturing.

He also reiterated the commitment of the Tinubu administration to creating an environment that would enable private investments in the country.

Similarly, the vice-president assured the delegation of the government’s cooperation.

“This government wants to be the facilitator for businesses to thrive in Nigeria,” Mr Shettima stated. “We will create a safe passage and a conducive environment for private businesses like yours to thrive.”

He commended South Korea’s commitment to the development of Africa, given their shared history.

Mr Shettima also praised the country’s investments in human resource development and technological advancement, especially in automobile manufacturing and the alternative energy sector.

Earlier, the leader of the delegation, Mr Suk-hun, said the delegation was in the country to explore areas of partnership in solar technology and electric vehicle manufacturing, among others.

He said the AEDC believed in the country’s present leadership to harness the enormous potential there, leveraging technology and the resources that abound across the country.

Mr Suk-hun said the organisation’s proposal for investment in Nigeria was not for profit maximisation but to ensure the transfer of technology in key areas.

He said this includes solar technology, electric vehicle manufacturing and information technology capacity for security enhancement.

(NAN)