…Says bilateral relationship, support good
The Chairman of Blue Diamond Logistics China and Chief Executive Officer of Shanghai Engineering Works Limited, Mr. Festus Mbisogu, has commended China’s growing global economic power, particularly its role in Nigeria’s economic development.
He said this at the ongoing 133rd China Import and Export Fair, popularly known as Canton Fair.
Responding to a question on the growing number of Nigerian businessmen in China, Mbisiogu said: “To understand this, you need to appreciate the growing economic influence of China on developing economies, particularly in Africa, in terms of trade, investment, and ideas and also consider the statistics of the trade relations between Nigeria and China in comparison to other countries.
“Today, Nigeria is China’s largest trading partner in Africa, with over $26 billion in trade volumes. This is almost three times more than our trade volume with the United States.
“These investments are mainly in construction of free-trade and export-processing zones, oil extraction, home appliances and vehicle assembly, and agricultural production. “Undoubtedly, China is the leading contributor to Nigeria’s infrastructure development. As I speak to you, over 20 Chinese companies are engaged in major construction projects in almost all the state capitals and the Federal Capital Territory.”
He highlighted the infrastructure to include railways, roads, electricity, ICT and oil refineries.
“Take, for instance, the Abuja-Kaduna Railway, the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, the new airport terminals, the Lekki deep seaport, the Zungeru Hydropower Station, the Lagos blue line rail project and several others are humongous projects that have impacted greatly on the lives of Nigerians.
“Besides, for industrialists like us, China offers us excellent and conducive business opportunities. It will interest you to know that 100 per cent of the machinery I use in my industries in Lagos and Owerri are from China. This is not just because of their durability, but their versatility and availability. Any serious minded industrialist and entrepreneur understands that China offers him the best options.”
Mbisiogu who has always been in the forefront of fostering good bilateral relationship between Nigerians living in China and their hosts said: “When we came here years back, we discovered that Guangzhou Province has the highest concentration of Nigerians in China. As the years went by, the number kept increasing. We began extensive discussions and consultations and in 2017, Nigerians in the Diaspora Organisation (NIDO) Guangzhou Province was formed. NIDO China is the umbrella body of all Nigerians in China.
“The founding objectives then include providing social welfare interventions, bridging the gap between policy making and Diaspora participation, promoting cultural exchange between Nigeria and China, promoting bilateral business development and encouraging active contribution to the national development of Nigeria.
“NIDO China Chapter held its first Diaspora day and official inauguration of the National Executive on 27th April, 2018 in Beijing. Naturally, because of the roles I have been playing before then, I was made its National Coordinator. At present, I am a member of the board of trustees and NIDO China is recognised by the Federal Government.”
On relationship between Nigerians living in China and Chinese authorities, he said: “We have the Nigeria consulate in Guangzhou and Shanghai courtesy of our efforts. Today, I can boldly tell you that we are enjoying the best of cooperation and support from the Chinese authorities particularly in Guangzhou Province.
“Remember that recently I called on all Nigerians in China to always uphold the vision and objectives of NIDO, to be true ambassadors of Nigeria by avoiding anything that will bring disrepute and shame to Nigeria and Nigerians.
“I am happy that Hon. Mrs Abike Erewa Debiri, who is in charge of Nigerians in the Diaspora Commission, is doing a great job in this regard. Whatever that happened in the past is gone; we are enjoying a better and more beneficial relationship with our hosts today.”
Mbisiogu noted that he always attended the Canton Fair as he sees it as a very fertile ground to network, buy equipment and expand his business.
“Any serious-minded industrialist or entrepreneur who is desirous of expanding his business or building new relations would have no choice, but to attend this fair. It is the height of international and global trade events and boasts of an impressive history. Here you can find a vast array of products and machinery. Its size and scope are enormous,” he said.