In a significant development, the Chinese government has made a commitment to enhance its agricultural product imports from Nigeria in the coming years.
This assurance was conveyed during the first plenary meeting of the China-Nigeria Intergovernmental Committee held in Beijing, where Wang Yi, China’s foreign affairs Minister, and Yusuf Tuggar, Nigeria’s counterpart, convened.
The joint statement issued after the meeting highlighted the positive strides made in the China-Nigeria relationship over the past five decades since diplomatic ties were established.
It also emphasized the mutual desire to strengthen cooperation in various sectors, including infrastructure, electricity, telecommunications, finance, agriculture, industry, mining, and free trade zones.
Of particular significance was China’s pledge to increase its imports of high-quality agricultural products from Nigeria. This commitment reflects China’s recognition of Nigeria’s potential as a key supplier of agricultural goods.
In return, Nigeria expressed its willingness to collaborate with Chinese companies to establish local factories that cater to both domestic consumption and export demands, particularly in the mining and solid mineral sectors.
The joint statement also emphasized the importance of fostering an open, transparent, fair, and non-discriminatory business environment for enterprises from both countries.
Both China and Nigeria affirmed their support for the multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization (WTO) at its core, while opposing trade protectionism. They also expressed their shared commitment to promoting trade and investment liberalization and facilitation.
Additionally, China pledged its support to Nigeria in enhancing its capacity building in military security technology, equipment, and intelligence.
This assistance aims to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to effectively address various security challenges, both traditional and non-traditional, at home, abroad, and within the region, thereby contributing to national peace and stability.
The joint statement signifies a positive step forward in the bilateral relationship between China and Nigeria, with a focus on comprehensive cooperation and economic collaboration.
The increased agricultural imports from Nigeria by China hold the promise of boosting Nigeria’s agricultural sector and further enhancing trade between the two nations.
