By Omonu YG Nelson
The Chinese government has vowed to deepen its economic and trade relations with Nigeria in line with the principle of mutual benefit and win-win cooperation.
This was made known by Mr Wang Yingqi, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of the Peoples Republic of China in Nigeria, at the opening of the 3rd Belt and Road China-Nigeria Economic and Trade Forum, held at the International Conference Centre in Abuja on Thursday.
Wang said that the forum represents a critical platform to strengthen the partnership between Nigeria and China, address challenges and explore new opportunities. He also noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative, which has resulted in the construction of landmark projects in Nigeria, including railways, ports, power stations and communication backbone networks.
He added that China is committed to further collaborating with Nigeria to achieve concrete results in China-Nigeria, China-Africa Belt and Road cooperation. He also said that China is dedicated to supporting Nigeria in achieving industrialization and agricultural modernization, and is prepared to strengthen exchange at all levels to advance high-quality practical cooperation.
Also speaking at the event, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Abbas Tajudeen, said that China’s Belt and Road Initiative has brought tremendous opportunities for economic development, infrastructural enhancement and cultural exchange between Nigeria and China. He added that the House of Representatives is committed to strengthening the bilateral and diplomatic ties between Nigeria and China through the instrumentality of appropriate law-making.
The 3rd Belt and Road China-Nigeria Economic and Trade Forum, which was organized by the China General Chambers of Commerce in Nigeria (CGCCN), signaled the commencement of a two-day trade fair and exhibition, where Chinese firms and their Nigerian counterparts will engage in trade and economic exchanges.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development strategy unveiled by President Xi Jinping in 2013. The initiative is the largest infrastructure and investment project in history, covering more than 150 countries, with China spending over $4 trillion on infrastructural investments as of 2023.
Some BRI projects in Nigeria include the Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan rail projects, Abuja Metro Light Rail, Lekki Deep Seaport, Lagos Blue Rail, terminal expansion of federal airports, Zungeru Hydro Power Dam, and upgrading of the Abuja–Keffi-Makurdi road project.
The 3rd Belt and Road China-Nigeria Economic and Trade Forum is a significant event that underscores the commitment of the Chinese and Nigerian governments to deepen their economic and trade relations. The forum is also an opportunity for Chinese and Nigerian businesses to explore new opportunities and partnerships