By Our Correspondent
A delegation from the Bauchi state government on Wednesday met with Chinese companies in Nigeria to explore business and investment opportunities in the North-Eastern state.
Hon. Aminu Hammayo, Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, led the Bauchi State contingent and Mr Cui Guangzhen, Director General of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria (CGCCN), led the Chinese team to the event held at CGCCN conference room in Abuja.
In his remarks, Hon Aminu Hammayo said Bauchi state is open to partnership, support and investments from Chinese companies in priority sectors such as agriculture, mining, energy, transportation, oil & gas, housing, water resources and ICT.
The commissioner who represented Dr Aminu Hassan Gamawa, Chief of Staff to the governor, said Bauchi has removed all trade barriers, insisting that prospective Chinese investors will enjoy the best ease of doing business in the state.
“Bauchi was ranked fourth in ease of doing business ranking in Nigeria in 2021. In addition, we have done a lot of reforms in terms of institutions that operate in the state. We have also provided incentives to make life as easy as possible for any investor coming.
“I am confident that in one month or two, we should hit the ground running with our Chinese investors to provide jobs, create wealth and reduce poverty in the state,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, Mr Cui said the China General Chambers of Commerce has 500 registered companies spread across the 36 states of Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory FCT, Abuja.
He noted that the companies are in different sectors, such as agriculture, mining, power, construction, Oil and Gas and ICT.
Mr Cui expressed confidence that the Chinese companies in Nigeria will partner with the Bauchi state government in business, trade and investment.
The event later went into a technical breakout session, where both parties deliberated further on strategic areas of investment and cooperation.
The roundtable is a follow-up to a previous business engagement between Chinese Ambassador, Cui Jianchun and Bauchi state governor, Bala Muhammed.
