Sachdeva, represented by his deputy, Mr Suresh Bakhijani was speaking during the Indian day celebration at the 34th Kaduna International trade fair.

“India exported over $138 million worth of textile products to Nigeria during last Indian financial year ending on March 31, 2012. Of these, over 80 million dollars were man-made products” he declared.

According to him, textiles and clothing products worth $1.8 billion were also imported to Nigeria between 2010 to 2011.

The commissioner said the products imported into Nigeria include, polyester filament and spun fabrics, polyester/viscose fabrics, made-ups like shawls, scarves and polyester or viscose yarns.

Sachdeva reiterated the commitment by India towards strengthening business ties with Nigeria, adding that the country was the second largest trading partner with Abuja after the United States.

“While we purchased crude oil from Nigeria, India exports mainly rice, transport equipment and pharmaceuticals” he claimed.

He said the Indian Textile Exhibition (INTEXPO) comprising 22 Indian companies would hold between February 26 to 27 in Lagos to strengthen trade between the two countries.

The commissioner added that India issued out over 40,000 visas to Nigerians in 2012 for medical tourism, businesses as well as studies.

Speaking, the President of Kaduna Chamber of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture (KADCCIMA) Dr. Abdul-Alimi Bello said the fair was aimed at providing opportunities for local and foreign investors to conduct business relations.