China seeks greater trade ties with Nigeria

China has expressed commitment to a sustainable mutually-beneficial relationship with Nigeria, through the promotion of higher trade relationship.

To this end, this year’s China Homelife Exhibition, the largest sourcing platform from China, is geared towards supporting e-commerce and promoting Nigeria’s production capacity through technical partnerships to reduce reliance on importation while creating jobs for Nigerians.

The exhibition takes place at the Eko Convention Centre, Lagos, from May 16 to 18, with 250 manufacturers exhibiting over 200,000 products.

China Commercial Consular to Nigeria, Mr. Hongliang Gao, had put the value of trade between Nigeria and China at $7.2 billion, making the Asian country Nigeria’s third largest trading partner in 2018.

However, with increased interest in investments and trade between both countries, the value is expected to surpass Nigeria’s trade with India, which is presently the country’s highest trading partner.

“Nigeria is Africa’s first population country and the largest economy. It is rich in natural resources, fertile land and huge market potential. In recent years, the friendship between China and Nigeria had been further strengthened, high-level exchanges became closer, political mutual trust deepened, bilateral economic and trade cooperation produced results, and the scale of trade continued to expand,” Gao noted.

The exhibition will showcase products from various sectors including machines, furniture, appliances and leather goods.

Organised by Meorient International Exhibition, with technical local support from Elan Expo; the National Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA); Alaba International Amalgamated Traders Association; Balogun Agro-food Association, Oke Arin; and the Building and Construction Dealers Association in Nigeria, highlight of the exhibition will be the introduction of SKD electronics.