U.S. State, Maryland, Opens Lagos Office For Regional Business

THERE were indications that transactions volume between Nigeria and the United States of America will assume an upward trend as one of the country’s states – Maryland, opens its first foreign trade office in Africa.

The office, which would be located in Lagos and facilitated by Grid2Grid, a firm that promotes and facilitates investment into Maryland, also represents the state’s Department of Business and Economic Development for the whole continent.

Maryland, a state with a gross domestic product of $300 billion yearly, which borders Washington DC, will from the Lagos office, oversee its business activities in Ghana, Niger, Liberia, Mali, Djibouti, Tanzania, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while seeking to attract African companies to Maryland as well.

The Managing Partner, Grid2Grid and Head-Designate of the office, Asoka Ranaweera, said: “Africa today is the second fastest growing region in the world after Asia, with 10 of the fastest growing economies globally. According to the African Development Bank, the continent’s middle class has grown to approximately 310 million people in the space of three decades.

“In the last 10 years, Africa has seen average economic growth rates of approximately 5.5 per cent yearly, resulting in the growth of demand for a variety of goods and services around the world from consumer products to industrial machinery.

“As a result of Maryland’s establishment of its first office in Africa, the state’s companies will be able to tap directly, for the first time, opportunities to sell their products and services continent wide.

“As an American company that specialises in emergent markets with a focus on Africa, we have been helping companies develop trade and investment projects on the continent for many years.

“We are pleased to have been chosen to represent the State of Maryland and look forward to helping Maryland companies do business in Africa.”

Grid2Grid International Investment Solutions Group represents Maryland’s Department of Business and Economic Development in Africa, promoting and facilitating investment into Maryland, while helping companies from the state to export their products and services abroad.

Ranaweera, who will lead and oversee the initiative in Africa, has long standing ties to the continent, with his network of relationships encompassing a broad spectrum of African society, including well known corporations, political personalities, industry leaders, leading research institutions and non-profits.

With the development, Maryland companies can access some or all of the following services that Grid2Grid provides as the state’s representative in Africa, like market research; entry strategies; business matching; partnering; marketing and distribution.

Author of this article: By Chijioke Nelson

http://www.ngrguardiannews.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=118316:us-state-maryland-opens-lagos-office-for-regional-business&catid=31:business&Itemid=562

I bet the State of Maryland does not know about this amala deal by 'Grid2Grid'. See them name of the company self. Another man looking to swindle desperate folks. I hope baba fashola will not rush to pen a deal with this company for media propaganda

An igbo man owns an international superstore in this state,called eko and most of the staffs are yorubas.But area boys/girls in nairaland attributes eko to tribal unit.Cave dwellers.

redsun: An igbo man owns an international superstore in this state,called eko and most of the staffs are yorubas.But area boys/girls in nairaland attributes eko to tribal unit.Cave dwellers.

Another dolt derailing this thread.

You guys tend to see lagos as a tribal unit,forgetting that it is the federal capital of nigeria and that the backbone of lagos finances and business transactions are not area boys and girls like you.All you guys do is beg,waylay and harass people that keeps the flame burning

Do think it a coincidence that an igbo man wrote that article?

.

Sometimes, it's just better to post 1st, 2nd, 3rd.. Wetin concern Maryland concern tribalism?

It is Nigeria's economic capital irrespective of who is in power.
I don't know what game the OP is trying to play.

It is Nigeria's economic capital irrespective of who is in power and the tribe he/she is from.
I don't know what game the OP is trying to play.

ooseven: ^^^^^^^This sort of pointless banter among yourselves is a full time job oder?

You guys are too primitively shortsighted.Nobody sees lagos,benin,ibadan or enugu outside nigeria,All they see is nigeria.

nah waohh for ethnic bigots, this thread was about foreign trade development, and now some jobless people are trying to derail it, i dont blame them sha, i blame the theories you spend years reading and later go about disturbing the dust on the Lag streets
any way if this initiative by Maryland will be symbiotic its ok.

Wow! Dts cool... good initiative and a good idea.
You're welcome on board

tellwisdom: Abeg na for which side for maryland, Ikeja??

The US State of Maryland is opening an office, not Maryland in Lagos.

Ok, Employment avenue!!

Eko Atlantic:

Another dolt derailing this thread.

Derail what?Who doesn't know that you think and see in black and white? you are either out to promote your egocentric nature or denounce others you see as different.

You dont see i colour.

Eko Atlantic:

Giving a village dunce what he clamors for[Attention and relevance] do make him happy. Ignoring them ain't bad you know!

Amala head feeling funky. you only ignore posts when you have no point of defense considering you always respond to every quote of your post with ethnic slurs.

ochukoccna:
What is your obsession with Fashola and Yorubas?
The office is the FIRST in Africa and is to be managed by a non Nigerian
The article was written by an Igbo man yet you'd rather have the office located in Arochukwu or Ohafia
Do you think its palm wine and yellow garri deals they'll be making there?
Shameless he goat

is that why you should call her shameless goat ? U fall my hand !

State of Maryland is vital to Naija economy. Ports in Maryland handle almost half of all the shipments coming to Naija from US.

rozayx5: nah waohh for ethnic bigots, this thread was about foreign trade development, and now some jobless people are trying to derail it, i dont blame them sha, i blame the theories you spend years reading and later go about disturbing the dust on the Lag streets
any way if this initiative by Maryland will be symbiotic its ok.

Face it
The cash inflow is mostly one way i.e. into the Yanks wallet

Maryland, a state with a gross domestic product of $300 billion yearly, which borders Washington DC, will from the Lagos office, oversee its business activities in Ghana, Niger, Liberia, Mali, Djibouti, Tanzania, Mozambique and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), while seeking to attract African companies to Maryland as well.

So even Maryland has a bigger GDP than Nigeria. . .the latter's stands at approximately $243b. Seems almost 20 states in the US (if not more) have bigger economies than Nigeria, yet we keep deceiving ourselves that Nigeria is a 'rich' country. We have a very long way to go.

FreeGlobe:
what is your obsession with me Ochuko? Last time I checked ochuko was an Urhobo name. Me don't know when yorubas started answering ochuko. You and brother Garrix4 need to stop hiding under Delta state to throw rocks. Tell us your awolowo state so we address you according to your cave awolowo state ewedu head!

My obsession with you will end when you stop derailing threads with ethnic babble and spewing thrash on my Yoruba cousins

FreeGlobe: I bet the State of Maryland does not know about this amala deal by 'Grid2Grid'. See them name of the company self. Another man looking to swindle desperate folks. I hope baba fashola will not rush to pen a deal with this company for media propaganda

[size=14pt]International Investment Solutions Group[/size]


Mr. Asoka Ranaweera,
Chief Executive Officer, Washington DC, USA

Mr. Asoka Ranaweera is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Grid2Grid ‘Networks Powered by People’. Asoka leads all client initiatives for Grid2Grid providing strategic counsel and in person representation. He worked as head of research and analysis for a company that provided political-risk advice to the board of Lucent Technologies. Asoka was also the head of business research and development for a global investment group that worked in numerous countries including China, Brazil, Russia and Turkey. He has more than ten years experience in developing complex international investment projects. His practical business experience is augmented by significant public affairs and public relations experience in Washington DC where he was responsible for promoting bilateral relations between the US a number of countries. Asoka holds a bachelor’s degree in Development Economics (University of East Anglia, UK), a Masters degree in International Relations (University of East Anglia, UK) and a Masters in Investment and Trade (George Mason University, USA).

Mr. Shahin Shikhaliyev,
Chief Technology Officer, Washington DC, USA

Mr.Shahin Shikhaliyev is the Chief Technology Officer for Grid2Grid. Shahin’s artistic and creative skills provides our clients with access to exceptional public relations and out reach services. He has managed complex print, electronic, internet, graphic, film and sound projects for a number of governments, multilateral agencies and private companies. Shahin worked previously as the Art Director, Azerbaijan State Film Studio and was assigned to the Office of the President of Azerbaijan where he participated in projects that promoted Azeri culture. He has worked extensively in the U.S. for a private consulting company in web and graphic design. Shahin is a graduate of the State Art College of Azerbaijan.

Mr. Chrys De Silva, (Retd),
Resident Representative, Colombo, Sri Lanka

Lt. Col. (Retd) Chrys de Silva’s is Grid2Grid’s Resident Representative in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Chrys is responsible for all of Grid2Grid’s client activities in Sri Lanka and South Asia. He has had a distinguished 25 year professional career. Chrys is an expert in asset management, logistics, freight management and fleet management. He has many achievements to his name holding several senior positions in Sri Lanka including serving as an advisor to the Sri Lankan UN Mission in New York. Chrys is currently the President of the Sri Lankan Indonesia Business Council tasked with promoting bilateral business relations between the two countries. He is a graduate of the Sri Lankan Military Academy and has completed engineering certifications in electrical and mechanical engineering from colleges in India and Pakistan.

Mr. Philip Ireland,
Resident Representative, Monrovia, Liberia

Mr. Philip Ireland is Grid2Grid’s Resident Representative in Monrovia, Liberia. His primary responsibilities include: representing the interests of Grid2Grid in its bid to assist the Liberian Government in its post-conflict development and redevelopment efforts. He also is a liaison with key government ministries and agencies. Prior to joining Grid2Grid, Philip worked for a major construction company in Liberia. He also has extensive hands on experience in Liberia’s natural resources sectors, including working in the forestry and rubber industry. He is a graduate of the University of Liberia specializing in medicine.


http://www.grid2grid.com/

Good move by state of Maryland. I hope our states will not follow suit by opening office outside Nigeria to attract foreign investment.

@Brand_new so we can all agree this is a private firm. Why did they have to front with the state of Maryland?

Eko oni baje ooo

FreeGlobe: @Brand_new so we can all agree this is a private firm. Why did they have to front with the state of Maryland?

That's a question the executives listed above should answer.

Please direct your inquiries to the division that most serves your needs either by calling directly and/or by emailing us.

Headquarters
Metropolitan Washington DC
Tel: 202-494-5339
Fax: 240-238-7521
http://www.grid2grid.com/contacts.htm

Brand_new:
That's a question the executives listed above should answer.

Please direct your inquiries to the division that most serves your needs either by calling directly and/or by emailing us.

Headquarters
Metropolitan Washington DC
Tel: 202-494-5339
Fax: 240-238-7521
http://www.grid2grid.com/contacts.htm

I really want to call them but how come you are giving me a Washington address when we are talking about the state and govt of Maryland? Am confused