Abuja: The Regional Trade Institute (RTI) has expressed its readiness to deepen economic cooperation between Nigeria and the Central European region through strategic partnerships and knowledge exchange. Prof. Jan Zahorik, the Vice-President of Nigeria-Central Europe Chamber of Commerce (NCECC), said this at the 2026 Open-Day and international news conference on Saturday in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was organised by RTI in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade, and Investment, and NCECC. Zahorik, a foremost Africanist and RTI Director for Africa-Europe partnership, stated that the aim was to promote mutually beneficial partnerships by connecting Nigerian stakeholders with Central European industry leaders, innovators, and investors.
Zahorik highlighted that such partnerships will serve as knowledge-sharing platforms, enabling the exchange of expertise, best practices, and technological advancements across critical sectors of the economy. He emphasized that these partnerships underscore a shared commitment to deepening multilateral cooperation and unlocking new opportunities for trade and investment. “It also positions Nigeria as a strategic gateway for Central European investments in Africa,” he added.
This was the second meeting in Nigeria aimed at promoting Czech business interests, with Czech companies offering expertise across various sectors such as healthcare, education, oil and gas, and food and gastronomy. Zahorik noted that the mission and vision of NCECC and RTI activities are to connect Czech companies with Nigerian partners, focusing on import-export and services, including educational training and knowledge transfer.
Prof. Martin Melichar, Vice-Dean of International Cooperation at the University of West Bohemia, described Nigeria as the main economy and a superpower in West Africa, noting its role as a gateway to the sub-region. Melichar, also MD/CEO of Melichar/Partners, indicated that Nigeria is the primary focus for business deals, with plans to expand Czech educational businesses in Nigeria and Francophone Africa.
Tomas Turecek, Managing-Director of BTL Healthcare Technologies, highlighted that while the Czech Republic is a technology hub, Central European countries have yet to fully harness opportunities for cooperation with Africa. Richard Eze, Assistant to the NCECC Vice-President in Nigeria, emphasized RTI’s dedication to strengthening economic ties with Czech industries in Nigeria, introducing technologies and businesses to the Nigerian market.