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From Jude Owuamanam, Jos
Plateau State Government has strengthened its international engagement efforts by expanding strategic economic cooperation with the People’s Republic of China, in its desire to position the state’s economy for global competitiveness.
A statement by the Director of Press and Public Affairs to the Governor, Gyang Bere, yesterday, quoted the governor as saying that this further reinforced global confidence in the state’s investment climate and positions the state as an emerging hub for agriculture, infrastructure, mining, healthcare, tourism and industrial development.
The strategic partnership was forged during a meeting between Governor Mutfwang and Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Yu Dunha at Government House, Rayfield on Monday.
The ambassador also led a delegation of leading Chinese investors and business executives on the visit.
Speaking to his visitors, Mutfwang described the relationship between the Plateau State and China as one that has evolved steadily over several decades.
He emphasised the need to deepen cooperation beyond national-level bilateral engagements by fostering direct partnerships between the state and Chinese provinces.
The governor reiterated that his administration seeks meaningful partnerships capable of unlocking the state’s vast economic potential through investment, technology transfer, innovation and knowledge exchange.
Agriculture, the governor noted, remained the cornerstone of the proposed partnership, coupled with the state’s longstanding reputation as Nigeria’s food basket and a historic centre of tin mining.
He stressed the government’s commitment to transforming agriculture from subsistence-based production to a modern, commercially driven sector through increased mechanisation, improved yields, cold-chain infrastructure, livestock development and agro-processing.
According to the governor, the proposed 500-hectare Special Agro-Processing Zone located near the Yakubu Gowon International Cargo Airport would serve as a strategic gateway for agricultural exports to regional and global markets, significantly enhancing value addition and market access for farmers and agribusinesses.
Mutfwang further highlighted investment opportunities in poultry production, dairy farming, fisheries and animal feed manufacturing.
He observed that Nigeria’s substantial expenditure on imported dairy products underscores the urgent need to develop a modern and competitive livestock industry capable of meeting domestic demand.
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On mining sector, the Governor advocated responsible and sustainable mining practices that prioritise local value addition, environmental protection and community empowerment.
He also called for stronger collaboration with the Chinese embassy in addressing illegal mining activities and safeguarding host communities.
Ambassador Dunhai, in his remarks, reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening cooperation with the Plateau State. He described the state as a strategic economic destination endowed with abundant natural resources, favourable climatic conditions and significant agricultural potential.
The ambassador commended Mutfwang’s leadership and developmental initiatives, particularly in the areas of infrastructure, agriculture, education and the promotion of the rule of law.
He assured the state government of the continued support of both the Chinese Government and the Chinese embassy in Nigeria.
He disclosed that the visiting delegation included executives from four globally recognised Chinese companies with extensive investment experience in Nigeria.
He expressed confidence that their engagement would create new opportunities for investment in infrastructure, transportation, agriculture and industrial development across Plateau State.
Highlighting the growing economic relations between China and Nigeria, the Ambassador revealed that bilateral trade between both countries ran into several billions of dollars, while Chinese direct investment in Nigeria reached approximately $700 million in the previous year.
He further noted that China’s recently implemented 100 percent zero-tariff policy on Nigerian exports presents a significant opportunity for Plateau State’s agricultural products to gain access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.
Drawing from China’s development experience, Ambassador Dunhai observed that modern agricultural reforms had helped lift more than 800 million people out of poverty. He pledged China’s readiness to support the Plateau State in improving agricultural productivity, expanding processing capacity, enhancing livestock production and strengthening agricultural value chains.
Addressing concerns relating to illegal mining, the Ambassador reiterated China’s zero-tolerance policy towards unlawful mining activities and assured the Plateau State Government of full cooperation in identifying, prosecuting and sanctioning offenders, while encouraging responsible investors to operate strictly within the law.
Both leaders expressed optimism that the engagement would mark the beginning of a new phase of mutually beneficial cooperation between Plateau State and China.
