The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria, Ms Yan Yuqing, has stated that the three proposals announced by Chinese President, Xi Jinping at the just concluded BRICS Summit in South Africa would promote Nigeria’s economy.

The three practical proposals are: Initiative on Supporting Africa’s Industrialisation, Plan for China Supporting Africa’s Agricultural Modernisation and Plan for China-Africa Cooperation on Talent Development.

Yuqing, in her speech titled: ‘BRICS Summit: China’s Proposals, Renewed Hope for China-Africa and China-Nigeria cooperation,’ explained that the proposals cover areas that are needed for Africa’s modernisation.

She added that it was a vivid manifestation of China’s practical support for Africa’s development.

She said: “These three proposals highlight the principle of sincerity, real results, amity, and good faith of China-Africa friendship. This year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s first visit to Africa, and the 10th anniversary of putting forward the principles of China’s Africa policy – sincerity, real results, amity, good faith, and pursuing the greater good and shared interests.
“China-Africa friendship has grown into a big tree with flourishing leaves under the diligent watering of both sides. Political mutual trust is becoming stronger, practical cooperation is fruitful, and cultural exchanges are closer than ever before.

“The proposals have hit the key point of Africa’s development. It is focused on the cultivation of African talents, and concentrates on Africa’s long-term prosperity, covering a wide range of fields, a large number of opportunities, and a clear direction to the future. Ten years ago, President Xi Jinping delivered a speech at the Nyerere International Conference Centre in Tanzania, mentioning that China will keep every commitment it has made to Africa, both in letter and in spirit.

According to her, President Xi Jinping has stressed that there are various paths leading to modernisation.
“Africans have the most say on which path suits Africa best. China’s series of investment and talent cultivation projects in Nigeria have always adhered to mutual benefit and a win-win initiative.

Yuqing noted that in 2022, China’s total trade with Africa reached US$282 billion, an increase of 11.1 percent year-on-year, maintaining its position as Africa’s largest trading partner for 14 consecutive years.

She added that bilateral trade between China and Nigeria reached US$23.9 billion, and close to US$13 billion in the first seven months of 2023, accounting for 8.4 percent of China-Africa trade. Nigeria has become China’s second-largest trading partner in Africa after South Africa.

She added that China is committed to being a fellow traveler in the development and revitalisation process of China and Africa by taking concrete actions to reflect the country”s firm position of always standing with African countries.