By Othuke Evroh
The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China on Friday, held a seminar on Promoting Culture and Tourism Exchange in Belt and Road Initiative Cooperation, at the Chinese Cultural Centre, Wuse, Abuja.
The seminar co-hosted by China Alumni Association of Nigeria and the University of Abuja focused on promoting culture and tourism exchange within the Belt and Road Initiative(BRI) framework.
Speaking at the seminar, Mr. Li Xuda, Cultural Counselor of the Embassy and Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, stated that Nigeria and many other countries have joined the BRI since 2013 when it was proposed.
“As we know, in 2013, China proposed the Belt and Road Initiative. Since then, more and more countries have responded enthusiastically and joined BRI. In 2018, Nigeria joined BRI and became a formal member of the big family. As of March 2024, the People’s Republic of China has signed more than 200 cooperation documents on BRI with 152 countries and 32 international organizations”.
“Of the 54 countries in Africa, 52 have signed cooperation documents related to BRI with China. We are very delighted to see that all those participating countries have cooperated extensively in all fields including trade, education, culture, tourism, which has benefited the people of all relevant countries”, he stated.
Further, Mr. Li listed and reiterated the significance of the joint construction of BRI.
“The joint construction of BRI takes Five Cooperation Priorities as the main content; Policy Coordination, Facilities Connectivity, Unimpeded Trade, Financial Integration and People to People Bond. And as a cultural counselor, I have always regarded promoting people-to-people ties between China and Nigeria as the focus of my work”.
“People-to-people bond goes beyond culture and tourism exchange and seeks to build common understanding out of respect for countries and regions in its big family”.
“Both China and Nigeria are cultural giants with fabulous ancient civilization and rich tourism resources. The tourism sector has been described by the UNWTO as one of the world’s largest and fastest growing industries”.
Mr. Li Xuda concluded by stating that by jointly hosting the seminar, both countries believe that they will have a better understanding of BRI and in addition, bridge some of their cultural gaps.
“I firmly believe that our culture and tourism will be further promoted in the stage of high-quality joint construction of BRI. By jointly hosting today’s seminar, I do hope each of us can have a better understanding of BRI and its main contents, some of our cultural gaps and exchange barriers can be bridged and the mutual understanding and traditional friendship can can be further strengthened”.
Mr. James Sule, Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Art Culture and Creative Economy/Tourism, represented by Mrs Blessing stated in his goodwill message that the BRI is a development initiative that has impacted over 150 countries.
“The BRI is a global infrastructure development strategy adopted by the Chinese government in 2013 to invest in more than 150 countries and international organizations. This initiative has not only facilitated economic cooperation but has also resulted in the deepening of cultural appreciation and understanding between China and Nigeria”.
“The connectivity established through the Belt and Road Initiative has opened up new opportunities for collaboration in the fields of arts, culture and creative economy. Nigeria and China have a long history of bilateral cultural relations that have led to significant achievements in the areas of culture and tourism”.
“The vibrant cultural heritage of Nigeria, combined with the rich cultural traditions of China, has resulted in unique and enriching experiences for visitors from both countries”, he declared.
Mr. James Sule, thereafter entreated both countries to consolidate on the achievements to build stronger ties between China and Nigeria.
“Both countries have benefited immensely from our shared endeavours. It is imperative that we continue to nurture these relations and explore new opportunities for cooperation especially in the Creative Economy Sector”.
“In the light of the above, the Federal Ministry of Art Culture and Creative Economy reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the bilateral relations between Nigeria and China in the Culture and Tourism Sectors. We are dedicated to promoting cultural exchanges, facilitating collaborations between artists and cultural institutions as well as engaging in joint initiatives that highlight the shared heritage and diversity of our nations”.
“As we look towards the future, it is imperative that we work together to harness the potential of our cultural and creative industries to foster mutual understanding, promote cultural diversity and drive sustainable development”, he concluded.
Dr. Bibi Farouk, a Lecturer at the University of Abuja, while delivering his lecture at the seminar, stated that China’s Culture and Tourism Exchange in BRI Cooperation, encompasses; Heritage Preservation, Education Exchange, People-to-People Bond, Language Promotion, Cultural Cooperation, Cultural Trade, Digital Culture, Cultural Diplomacy, among others and that unlike the Western world, China aims to promote a shared destiny and community and to foster a spirit of cooperation and mutual benefits among nations along the Belt and Road.
“Whereas the cultural relationship between nations like Nigeria and other global powers were founded and rooted in the experiences of colonialism, China wants to build a cultural relationships with the rest of the world on mutually beneficial, shared experience and prosperity foundation”.
“It is important to note that colonialism has had profound and lasting impacts on the social, economic, political, and cultural landscape of colonized countries and communities, often leading to ongoing legacies of oppression, inequality and resistance”, he stated.
“Since China is pursuing a different path, China is required to consider the following strategies; More Cultural Exchange Programmes, More Education and Research and Scientific Collaborations, Collaborative Creative Industries, Economic Tourism Development, Cultural Entrepreneurship, Intercultural Dialogue, Intensive Cultural Diplomacy and People to People Diplomacy”, he said.
The seminar was attended by dignitaries from both countries including government functionaries from Nigeria.
