Business: FG to adopt Asian Tigers as economic models

Federal Government may soon adopt the model of the Asian Tigers towards the economic transformation of the nation.

To actualise this goal, government may undertake a study of the contribution made by the diaspora of the Asian tigers towards the economic transformation of their different economies.


This was disclosed, yesterday, by President Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by Vice-President Namadi Sambo, while declaring the 2013 Nigeria Diaspora Day open.

President Jonathan further stated that the success of countries like India, China, Pakistan, Thailand and the Philippines, which have strategically worked with their citizens in the diaspora to accelerate national development, remains a model for the nation to understudy.

President Jonathan singled out the Indian experience to emphasise the fact that diaspora communities are important sources of foreign direct investments, trade linkages, knowledge and technology transfer.

He said: “Having lived abroad and embraced international best practices, Nigerians in Diaspora possess the requisite experience, expertise and contacts to contribute to all facets of our national life.”

Commenting on the role Nigerians in diaspora could play in Federal Government’s transformation agenda, he urged them “to constitute a viable and proactive platform for marshaling Nigerians abroad to transfer their competences and technical skills as a means of strengthening our technological base and in furtherance of profitable investments, which will in turn create jobs here.”