China and Nigeria business partners have met to chart new ways to foster business opportunities among them.
The dialogue which took place in Abuja, Nigeria, with participants from both Nigeria and China highlighted their economic situation, investment policies and environment, explored opportunities for cooperation in traditional industries and digital economy.
The Ministerial Level Officials from International Department of Communist Party of China, CPC Central Committee (IDCPC), All Progressives Congress (APC) National Working Committee, China’s Fujian Province, Kano State and the Nigerian Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment were in attendance during the event and delivered keynote speeches.
No fewer than 150 business representatives from Fujian Province and Kano State were in attendance during the dialogue via video links.
Personalities, business men and women, stakeholders and top politicians at the China-Nigeria Business Dialogue agreed there should be an improved and robust economy relationship between both countries.
The Nigerian side converged on the Chinese Embassy in Abuja while the Chinese delegation participated through video conference from Beijing and Fujian Province.
Those who spoke on the Nigeria side were the National Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Iyiola Omisore, Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Ganduje and Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo among others.
On the Chinese side are Shen Beili, Vice Minister of the International Department of CPC Central Committee, Guo Ningning, Member of the Standing Committee of the Fujian Provincial Party Committee and Executive Governor, Zhou Guohui, Deputy Director, Fourth Bureau of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee, Huang Nanen, Deputy Director of Commerce, Department of Fujian Province and Luo Guansheng, Executive Vice President, Fujian People’s Association of Friendship with Foreign Countries among others.
Business Opportunities
In his address, the Governor of Kano State, North West Nigeria, Umar Ganduje, said the business dialogue will no doubt bring better understanding of available business opportunities and will strengthen the economic, cultural and political relationship of the two nations and their citizens.
He said the importance of promoting investments and other business through dialogue between the two nations cannot be overemphasised.
According to him, China has the largest number of foreign nationals in Nigeria and greatly benefit from Nigeria oil and gas to support its industries.
“In the same vein, Nigeria is having the largest number of African students in China and also benefit its technology for infrastructural development particularly double gauge rail lines, modern railway stations and international Airports across the country to mention just a few,” he said.
Governor Ganduje said the Chinese investments in manufacturing and trading can be seen in the state ranging from multi billion naira investments.
The Kano State governor unveiled some economic potentials of the state, pointing out that investment opportunities included agriculture, industries, healthcare, tourism, mining and education among others.
He said Kano has about 20 earth dams for dry season farming, and major producers of Hides and Skin in Nigeria with major international markets.
Also, Governor Ganduje stressed that Kano is committed to the Chinese relationship based on the need for the government and party to make it a success.
Expanding Relations
Senator Iyiola Omisore, who delivered a paper titled “How to Promote the Development of China-Nigeria Economic and Trade Relations Through Political Party Channels,” said relations between Nigeria and China have expanded and grown over the years.
Senator Omisore noted that bilateral relationship between China and Nigeria which started since 1971 has since expanded in many ways.
Also, he said China considered Nigeria as her closest ally with trade figure reaching $19.74billion in 2019, noting that in 2011, Nigeria was China’s 4th trading partner and became 3rd in 2012.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Cui Jianchun, said he has been in Nigeria for one year and five months hence the need to support one another is a priority to him.
He said the two countries can work together in federal, state and party level to promote opportunities to support one another.
The Chinese envoy, who expressed optimism that Nigeria and China will work together in its economic and social ties, added that such friendly initiative will be replicated in other states in Nigeria.
He said political party is important in the economy as they are the drivers of business policies.
Local Manufacturing
The National Vice President, Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Chief Hezekiah Adedeji, called for the establishment of the Chinese industries in Nigeria instead of importing goods that can be manufactured in Nigeria.
He said by this, Nigeria can benefit from employment and technical know-how from such venture and a win-win situation can be achieved.
Mr Segun Bolaji, Deputy National Coordinator, NACCIMA Youth Entrepreneurs, called on the Chinese government to evolve capacity-building and training for Nigerian business people.
Highlight of the Dialogue was the signing of the letter of intent for the establishment of Friendship Relationship between Kano State, Federal Republic of Nigeria and Fujian Province and the People’s Republic of China.
Also, there was business networking session and video on Chinese Harmony Perform Nigeria-China Symphony.
There were 78 participants from Nigeria and 37 on the Chinese side.
The theme of the Dialogue is “Seeking common cooperation and development through inter-party exchanges” and organized by China Exchange Cooperation Centre of IDCPC, Foreign Affairs office of Fujian Province, Kano State government, All Progressives Congress and Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment.
Hauwa Abu
