Title: The Booming Trade Relationship Between China and Nigeria: A Closer Look with Consul General Yan Yuqing
Ms. Yan Yuqing has recently assumed her new position as Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos and has been greatly impressed by the warm reception she received from the Nigerian people. The trade relationship between China and Nigeria has experienced significant growth over the past 10 months, reaching a total of $18.84 billion (N15.7tr). In an exclusive interview, Ms. Yan delves into the trade ties between Nigeria and China, the Chinese visa policy, and various other issues related to bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
Ms. Yan has found her initial months in Nigeria to be a truly enriching experience, having fostered close relationships with the Nigerian people and immersing herself in the rich culture of the country. She has expressed her admiration for Nigerian history, traditional dances, local cuisine, as well as her newfound passion for the Nigerian National Football Team, the Super Eagles.
With regards to the Chinese visa policy, Ms. Yan has emphasized the efforts made by Chinese authorities to facilitate travel and exchanges between China and Nigeria. She has also stressed China’s dedication to removing barriers and providing greater convenience for people-to-people exchanges.
Amid concerns about alleged illegal mining activities involving Chinese nationals, Ms. Yan has emphasized the importance of legitimate operations and community engagement by Chinese enterprises in Nigeria. Additionally, she has urged the media to report responsibly and refrain from being influenced by false rumors.
Reflecting on the Belt and Road Initiative signed between China and Nigeria, Ms. Yan has expressed optimism about the future of economic and trade cooperation between the two countries. She has also highlighted the positive outcomes of promoting Nigerian participation in international exhibitions in China.
In response to international conflicts, including those in the Middle East and Eastern Europe, Ms. Yan has reiterated China’s stance on peace and diplomacy, emphasizing the importance of dialogue and consensus to resolve disputes.
Drawing parallels between China and Nigeria, Ms. Yan has discussed the potential for mutual success and cooperation between the two countries, emphasizing the complementary nature of their resources and markets.
In conclusion, Ms. Yan has underscored the significance of China-Nigeria bilateral trade relations and the vast potential for further collaboration.
In summary, Ms. Yan’s insights shed light on the strong trade ties between China and Nigeria, the ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation, and the shared values between the two nations.
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