China-Nigeria Business: 200 Chinese Firms Show Interest In Nigeria
By Bukar BOLORI
The China-Nigeria Business event in Beijing, China, has pulled over 200 Chinese Companies indicating a strong into in Nigerian economy.
The Forum which held on Friday in the Chinese capital was part of activities to welcome Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar to the Asian country on an official visit.
Tuggar visit which commenced on Wednesday was at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart, Mr. Wang Yi.
The Business Forum as part of the visit, was aimed to facilitate increased bilateral trade and investment, and foster business match-making to deepen economic ties between Nigeria and China, with over 200 Chinese companies participating, showcasing strong interest in Nigeria-China collaboration.
Key Nigerian dignitaries and business leaders were in attendance including Aisha Rimi, Managing Director/CEO of Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), Khalil Suleiman Halilu, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), Oluwaseun Fakuade, Commissioner for Innovation, Science, and Digital Economy, represented the Governor Ekiti State, Abiodun Abayomi Oyebanji.
Other participants included key private sector leaders including Dr. Adegboyega Oluwarotimi Austen-Peters, Chairman, Dorman Long Engineering Ltd, Bolanle Austen-Peters, Founder/Artistic Director, Terra Academy for The Arts (TAFTA), Bruce Ayonote, CEO, Suburban Fiber Company, Tunde Hassan-Odukale, Group CEO, Leadway Holdings, Olusegun Alebiosu, Managing Director/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited, Jawad Saleh Mustapha, Renecon Energy Ltd.
In his keynote address, at the Business Forum, jointly organised by the Nigerian Embassy and Yingke Law Firm, which was designed to ease increased bilateral trade and investment, and foster business matchmaking to deepen economic ties between Nigeria and China, Tuggar emphasized the importance of the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China, highlighting mutual respect and shared developmental goals.
He pointed out the critical role of such business exchanges in driving economic growth and diversification, stating that: “This event is a testament to our commitment to strengthening Nigeria-China relations. By fostering direct business engagements, we are paving the way for increased bilateral trade, investment opportunities, and innovative collaborations that will benefit both nations.”
He said: “As my visit progresses, I look forward to participating in the Nigeria-China Intergovernmental Committee meeting, and the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, further solidifying our partnership with China.”
According to a statement on Friday by the spokesman to the Minister, Alkasim AbdulKadir, Tuggar as part of his working visit, will take part in several high-level meetings and events, including the inaugural Plenary Session of the Nigeria-China Intergovernmental Committee in Beijing and the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian.
He noted that these engagements are expected to further solidify the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China.
He disclosed that Tuggar is also expected to meet with ECOWAS Ambassadors as well as launch the 4D Cultural Diplomacy Programme of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Embassy of Nigeria.
He added that: “Similarly, the visit is aimed at deepening economic and trade collaboration, enhancing high-level exchanges, and strengthening mutual support at multilateral for a. Some of the outcomes from the visit include advancing Nigeria’s development drive, boosting infrastructure development, improving healthcare and educational systems, stimulating job creation and economic opportunities, Implementing Bilateral Agreements, increasing trade volume and diversification, attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and promoting entrepreneurship and strengthening industrial capabilities and competitiveness.”
