By Jennifer Yusuf
The trade volume between Nigeria and China reached a record high of 15.3 billion dollars as at 2018 with a 10.8% growth over 2017 figures.
This was the revelation made yesterday by the President, China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Mr. Ye Shuijin at the second edition of the Belt and Road Initiative in Abuja.
Shuijin observed that 48 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Nigeria, both countries have stood tightly together and achieved win-win cooperation, in several fronts.
Apart from the 15.3 billion dollars in trade volumes he noted that China also invested $100 million directly in Nigeria and signed $17 billion contracts for construction projects and achieved $4.1 billion turnover. “As the friendship between China and Nigeria gradually builds up, more and more Chinese enterprises will come to Nigeria for development, and more Chinese people will come to contribute to build this beautiful country”.
He noted that China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, was established in July 2011, as the sole non-government and non-profit organization registered in Nigeria and documented by the Chinese ministry of commerce.
Since its establishment, the China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria he observed has received great support from the Chinese embassy and Nigerian government. He said that the body currently have over 160 members which includes all the large-scale China enterprises operating in Nigeria, covering oil and gas, infrastructure, telecommunications, manufacturing, trade, agriculture, mining, finance, Internet among others.
On Chambers achievements since inception, Shuijin has this to say: “China chamber of commerce in Nigeria has played an important role in lots of economic cooperation between China and Nigeria. It has effectively and notably facilitated the social and economic development of Nigeria through trade activities, investment, introduction of advanced technology and management methods, local employment, and other aspects. Hundreds of thousands of local employees joining the Chinese companies, which are outstanding contributions made to local employment, training and professional abilities. Complying with Nigerian laws and regulations, CCECC, CGC, Huawei and other Chinese enterprises have given priority to local employees training, which provides help for Nigerians” he said.
He noted that the relationship between Nigeria and China has developed rapidly into a new stage with substantial achievements. “Since the ancient silk road, China and Nigeria have enjoyed close and inseparable trade exchanges. As the development of the economy, the population, resources and market will be Nigeria’s special competitiveness and advantage of external cooperation”.
He revealed that going forward, China Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria will be organizing the “belt and road initiative China-Nigeria economic and trade cooperation forum” twice annually.
He noted that this year’s edition was highly successful with over 60 enterprises exhibiting their products in diverse areas.
He called on Nigerians to use the opportunity to build partnerships with Chinese companies that would bring about stronger ties and the development of the country.
