Bilateralism
is the conduct of the socio-economic relations between two countries, for the
growth and development of their economy. Typically, bilateralism has
application concerning economic and political matters. There are merits on
bilateralism based on debates, where states traditionally relate to each other
on bilateral basis; they understood each other’s capabilities, and agree to go
into a relationship with the aim to foster economic growth and development.
ECONOMIC BILATERALISM
In trade, trading globally allows countries involved in bilateral trade relationship to be expose to goods and services not available in their own countries. Based on bilateral trade, almost all kinds of product can be found on the international market ranging from goods (foods, cloths, electronics etc.) to services (banking, tourism, consulting, etc.). Bilateral trade not only results in the increase of efficiency but also allows countries to participate in a global economy, encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). The economy of a country can grew more efficiently and can more easily become competitive economic through FDI; it’s also an avenue through which foreign currency and expertise can enter the country which could rise employment level and theoretically, lead to a growth in the GDP.
POLITICAL BILATERALISM: How it relates Nigeria to other Africa nations.
It is evident that since independence in 1960, Africa has remained at the forefront of Nigeria's foreign policy. This nucleus of her foreign policy saw the country committing herself fanatically to decolonization of the African continent and eradication of racial discrimination and domination.
Bilateral political relations between Some Africa countries and Nigeria are strong with Nigeria considered as one of the important frontiers on the African continent in advancing the vision of Africa's political and economic renewal.
The
leaders of some countries in Africa have traversed the globe spreading the idea
of African renaissance -focusing largely on democracy, development and security
and seeking foreign investments to revive Africa's ailing economies. They have
called for greater international burden-sharing in peacekeeping missions,
campaigns for the annulment of Africa's external debt, championed better access
for African goods entering western markets and called for Africa's integration
into the global economy in fairer terms.
It will be recalled that the former President of
Nigeria, in the person of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo worked
relentlessly to lobby the rich nations of the world to focus greater
attention on African problems. At the G-8 meeting of the world's richest states
in 2000, the leader argued strongly that the rich nations should
forgive Africa's debt. He called for technology and resource transfer
from the West to Africa, criticizing the gap between promise and
delivery on the part of most Western states.
Furthermore, Obasanjo proposed a simple bargain: that the West provides debt relief, opens its markets, invests in Africa and supports peacekeeping missions in exchange for democratic accountability and financial probity by African leaders through a self-monitored peer review mechanism.
African leaders with Nigeria at the forefront realized that if Africa is to matter in the international community in the 21stcentury, there is the need for it to rethink its development strategy. Hence the establishment of New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD) under the leadership of Nigeria and some Africa countries. It is believed by Nigeria and other African leaders that NEPAD will reposition the African continent on the path of long term development and minimize her marginalization and neglect in international economic relations. NEPAD is therefore a commitment by African leaders to accelerate the integration of the African continent into the global economy, as well as a call to the rest of the world to partner with Africa in her own development on the basis of her own agenda and programme of action.
In
conclusion, However, it is worthy of note that the idea of Nigeria as
one of continental leaders is far from being universally accepted. The
strategic alliance between Nigeria and some Africa countries is seen by most as
little more than a new breed of African imperialism. Nigeria must reassure
other African states that their intentions are noble. Nigeria as a country must
consult with other countries and ensure that her actions are not seen as
attempts to dominate the continent in pursuit of their own parochial interests.
It is only by taking measures to alleviate such concerns can, Nigeria become
the continental beacons of democracy and engines of economic growth.
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