By Favour Nnabugwu

Australian Government has shown interest in Nigerian mining industry as investors from the country are ready to explore areas of collaboration with the Federal Government in developing the mining sector. They are seeking relevant information on the mining potentials in Nigeria

As a result, the Australian Government has made provisions for President Goodluck Jonathan and some state governors to address comity of nations on investment potentials in the country’s mining sector at the three-day Commonwealth Business Forum, Perth 2011. This was disclosed at a press briefing on 2011 business forum during which the Australian Envoy, Ian McConville added that the mining sector could be moved forward and achieve the desired results if the private sector was encouraged to come and participate, while the government played its role as regulator.

McConville said that the nation’s private sector will also be opportune to learn about developing small and medium scale businesses at the forum. The Business Forum which is being coordinated by the Nigerian Investment Promotions Council under the guidance of Engr. Mustafa Bello and Mrs Annette Dore of Image Affairs Nigeria Ltd, already have the confirmations of six state governments from Nigeria.

McConville said that there are 220 Australian companies operating in Nigeria with over $200 billion investment spread across Africa. The three-day forum, to be held in Perth in late October, has been described as the biggest and most significant gathering of international business and political leaders ever held in Australia, eclipsing the 2007 APEC meeting in Sydney.

The organisers of the CBF are aiming to achieve a consensus on how the world should take action to reduce carbon emissions and the need to restart global trade talks. Expected speakers include ANZ Bank chief, Mike Smith, Woodside Petroleum chairman, Michael Chaney, Infrastructure Australia chairman, Rod Eddington, Rio Tinto Iron Ore boss, Sam Walsh, Fortescue Metals Group’s Andrew Forrest and Wesfarmers chief, Richard Goyder.

Prime Minister Julia Gillard will open the forum and attend three sessions. Dr Mohan Kaul, chief executive of Commonwealth Business Council said he expected the event to be held ahead of Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting of 54 leaders in Perth, adding that the forum is expected to generate a record $10bn in business deals.