China seeks deeper trade relations with Nigeria

Chinese Consul General to Nigeria, Yan Yuqing, has called for greater trade relations between Chinese and Nigerian business owners.

Yuqing, who just resumed duty barely a week ago, said this while stating that China has maintained a good relationship with African countries including Nigeria.

This was disclosed at a press briefing and commissioning of a public park built by three Chinese companies, for public use. The park is located opposite the Chinese Consulate on Idejo Street, by Adeola Odeku, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Before her posting to Nigeria, Yan had served in a similar position in the Chinese Consulate in Brazil.

She maintained that Chinese citizens all over the country have established over 300 companies, which has fostered a good relationship between these companies and their host communities.

She highlighted the vast commercial and economic relationship between both countries and assured that there would be no interruption to such existing cordial friendship.

Yuqing, added that aside the knack for maintaining good relationships, China is known for upholding policies of truthfulness and goodwill, which is evident in most of the projects they have executed, especially in road construction, establishing hydropower stations and so on.

She said, “This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Chinese businessmen working at Ports and inventing hydropower plants in the country.”

She urged Nigerian businesses to explore opportunities of investing in China, while adding that China welcomes foreign investments in all sectors of the economy and has the right business environment.

Yuqing noted that the government of China has a genuine resolve to narrow down the trade imbalance between China and Nigeria by encouraging local production in Nigeria, which hundreds of Chinese investors in Nigeria facilitate.

She emphasised the consulates, willingness to extend its philanthropic efforts to contribute to infrastructure, recreation and education, starting with Lagos.

Speaking on the need for cultural exchange, especially among youths of both countries, she said, “University of Lagos has limited books about China and we hope to donate more books, for the youths to learn more about our culture and vise versa.”

It was gathered that the park used to be filled with dirt and a hideout for miscreants before its transformation.

The donor companies are BGP/CNPC International Nigeria Ltd, XCMG Automotive Nigeria Ltd, and Anhui Construction Engineering Group.

Supervisor, Works, Housing and Infrastructure, Eti-Osa, Local Government, Afolabi Abiola, representing Chairman, Iru-Victoria Island LCDA, Hon. Rasheedat Adu, applauded the initiative, saying the idea of giving back to the society one operates in is laudable.

He said the local government is looking forward to continued support and partnership.

Representing XCMG Automotive Nigeria Ltd, Zoro said the park was part of the firm’s CSR project, adding that they currently employ at least 200 Nigerians.