Nigeria is set to receive more investments from China in the near future, according to the China General Chambers of Commerce (CGCC). The announcement was made during the 3rd Belt and Road China-Nigeria Economic and Trade Exhibition in Abuja. The CGCC expressed its keen interest in bolstering trade relations with Nigeria, emphasizing the potential for economic cooperation.
During the event, Mr. Liu Jiang, the Deputy General Manager of CCECC Nigeria Limited and the representative of the Chairman of the China General Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria, highlighted the significance of the forum as a starting point for advancing economic and trade cooperation. He stressed the commitment to strengthening cooperation by collaborating closely with local partners to align with China-Nigeria relations.
Jiang also pointed out the completion of several significant projects in various sectors such as oil and gas, infrastructure, manufacturing, communications, agriculture, mining, and internet. This economic and trade exchange is expected to create more opportunities for Chinese and Nigerian enterprises, fostering mutually beneficial cooperation.
Furthermore, Jiang highlighted the Belt and Road initiative proposed by Chinese President Xi Jinping, which aims to promote policy communication, infrastructure connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration, and people-to-people exchange among countries. He mentioned the recent meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigeria Vice President Kashim Shettima, where both sides expressed confidence in the future development of relations between the two countries.
Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu, Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, House of Representatives, Federal Republic of Nigeria, represented the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, at the event. He expressed gratitude to the Chinese government for the Belt and Road initiative, acknowledging the significant benefits Nigeria has gained from it. Yakubu highlighted the initiative’s role in fostering economic development, infrastructural enhancement, and cultural exchange between the two nations.
The Belt and Road initiative, launched by China in 2013, aims to connect Asia with Europe, Africa, and beyond through infrastructural projects such as roads, railways, ports, and energy facilities. Nigeria, as the largest economy in Africa, has actively participated in this initiative to improve its infrastructure, boost trade, and enhance its overall development framework.
Yakubu also emphasised the positive impact of the cooperation between Nigeria and China on transportation infrastructure. Through the Belt and Road Initiative, China has invested in the construction of roads and railways, improving connectivity within Nigeria and across borders. This has facilitated the movement of goods, services, and people, leading to increased trade and economic integration.
In conclusion, the Federal House of Representatives, under the leadership of Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, is dedicated to strengthening the bilateral and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China through appropriate legislation. The collaboration between the two countries holds great promise for further economic and infrastructural advancements.