The Managing Director, Ericsson Nigeria, Johan Jemdahl  has said that one key element that would facilitate international trade between Nigeria and other countries is through  access to efficient broadband services.

Ericsson MD made the remarks recently in Lagos when  the Swedish Ministry for Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Sweden together with the Swedish Trade and Invest Council and a select Swedish business delegation visited Nigeria on trade on how best to improve the business relationship between the two countries.

The delegation was officially welcomed by the Nigerian Minister of Communication, Barrister Adebayo Shittu, in Abuja.

He said that Ericsson was deeply committed to Nigeria, which according to him is one of the most important markets for the Swedish technology giant in sub-Saharan Africa.

“We recognize that the country needs to attract business and one key element that will facilitate international trade is access to efficient broadband service. This is one of the core areas we seek to support and offer our expertise.”, he said.

“With this delegation, we hope we will be able to share experiences on how collaboration can strengthen competitiveness and contribute to a sustainable development,” H.E. Ann Linde, Minister for EU Affairs & Trade, said that,  “By bringing some of Sweden’s largest, most innovative global companies, we can together create an even stronger Swedish – Nigerian connection that will benefit both countries.”

Commenting further, Linde added that Nigeria is the largest and fastest growing ICT market in the world and has the fastest growing middle class globally, “therefore, our intent to strengthen commercial ties goes beyond single business opportunities and industry sectors, but extends to strategic collaborations with not only private businesses but also public sector and academia.”

The delegation led by the Swedish Minister for Trade & EU Affairs, Mrs. Ann Linde aimed to  identify business opportunities in Nigeria for Swedish companies by developing sustainable and smart societies using Swedish innovations in ICT, Transport, Energy, Health, Agriculture and Finance.

As part of activities herald their  arrival, the delegation collaborated with the Federal Ministry of Communications Technology to host a Swedish-Nigerian Smart Cities & ICT Conference.