BY VICTORIA OJEME

ABUJA-TO strengthen bilateral relations with Nigeria, the Central African Republic (CAR), weekend, opened a consulate in Abuja.

CAR’s Defence Minister, Mr. Francois Bozize, said the historic occasion was to revive the good relations between CAR and Nigeria.

Bozize, who spoke through an interpreter, said Nigeria was a big country well respected in Africa and has a wide economic experience.

He said: “So, we are encouraging Nigerian investors to come and tap into the huge investment opportunities in CAR. We are just coming out of political crisis and are on the verge of economic development.”

Bozize, who said there were numerous economic opportunities in agriculture, mining, tourism and transportation in his country, assured that Nigerian investors will be given generous concessions.

In his speech, the Honorary Consul of CAR in Nigeria and a former federal legislator, Mr. Irem Ibom, said the consulate will help strengthen the bilateral ties between the two young economies.

He said CAR had enormous investment opportunities in minerals such as gold, diamond, petroleum and over 150 other commercially-viable natural resources.

Irem said: “Our role here is to assist Nigerians take opportunity of this virgin economy.”