From Okwe Obi, Abuja
The Federal Government, yesterday said that the trade volume between Nigeria and China rose to $22 billion in 2023.
Director General and Global Liaison Officer of the Nigeria -China Strategic Partnership, Joseph Tegbe, stated this at the China, Africa Economic Trade Expo, in Abuja.
Tegbe explained that the figure fell below the trade volume between China and Brazil that rose to $105 billion in the same year.
He announced that already 30 Nigerians have been sent to China to learn the governance and economic structures which would be replicated in Nigeria.
According to him, bothcountries continue to deepen bilateral trade to harness the economic potential between Nigeria and China.
He said: “One of our cardinal objectives is to increase trade volume between Nigeria and China. As at December 2023, trade volume between both countries was about $22 billion. The import from China accounted for $20 billion. But on the other hand, we look at Brazil and China’s relationship. During the same period, Brazil’s export to China in 2023 was $105 billion, while China’s export to Brazil was $59 billion.
“Today, we stand at a crossroad of potential and progress, ready to explore new frontiers and ready to reshape out relationship.
“The recently concluded summit in China, which culminated in my appointment by President Bola Tinubu as the Director General and global Liaison Officer of the Nigeria -China Strategic Partnership, marks the much needed elevation of our trade and economic relationship with the People’s Republic of China.
“Nigeria and China have elevated its partnership and this marks the beginning of a dispensation where we are determined to work better and closer.
“As at today, China accounts for just 10% of the world’s arable land, but has successfully solved the food problem of over 1.2 billion people, accounting for 15% of the world population, while Africa accounts for 60 % of the world arable land. But we are still facing food challenges.
“This new dawn presents an opportunity to the part of this opportunity for food security, using Chinese advanced method, techniques and technology.
“The Nigeria-China relationship is already yielding results. As at today, one of the Chinese company chose an average 1,700 Nigerians every year in ICT area. As we speak 30 Nigerians drawn from various ministries, department and agencies are in China, undergoing intensive training on the field every year in ICT area.”
Also, Chairman, China International Contractors Association, Fang Quichen, said Nigeria and China are exploring the use of advanced technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, and Al, to enhance the intelligence and automation of infrastructure.
“The integration of digital technology with new infrastructure, the blue economy, and agricultural modernization has emerged as a focal point for cooperation.
“Furthermore, renewable energy projects, including solar and wind, are gaining increased attention worldwide, further advancing the development and utilization of the clean energy.
“These emerging characteristics and trends not only facilitate the transformation and upgrading of infrastructure cooperation between China and Nigeria, but also inject new impetus for mutual benefit and shared development.”