China, Nigeria Commit To Promoting Tourism, Cultural Exchange

The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja has reiterated its commitment to promoting tourism and cultural exchange with Nigeria through the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) to strengthen bilateral relations.

The Embassy pledged at a seminar on “Promoting Culture and Tourism Exchange in BRI Cooperation,” which was co-hosted by the Chinese Embassy, the China Alumni Association of Nigeria, and the University of Abuja.

Mr. Li Xuda, Cultural Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy, stated that the Embassy has always placed a high value on promoting people-to-people ties between China and Nigeria because cultural and tourism exchange plays a unique and important role in societal and national development.

Li also stated that the joint construction of BRI focuses on “Five Cooperation Priorities”: policy coordination, facility connectivity, unhindered trade, financial integration, and people-to-people bonds.

He stated: “The people-to-people bond, one of the BRI’s five cooperation priorities, goes beyond culture and tourism exchange and seeks to build common understanding out of respect for countries and regions in its large family.

“Both China and Nigeria are cultural giants, with magnificent ancient civilizations and abundant tourism resources.

“Since six years ago, China and Nigeria have become close partners in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, which has increased the depth and utility of our bilateral exchange.

“I am confident that our culture and tourism will be further promoted in the next stage of BRI’s high-quality joint construction, and that some of our cultural gaps and exchange barriers will be bridged.

Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), thanked the Chinese government for its ongoing support in the development of Nigeria’s culture and tourism sectors.

He stated that Nigeria has a wealth of natural and cultural attractions, ranging from breathtaking landscapes in its national parks to historic landmarks and vibrant cities that tell the story of our country.

He stated, “We must therefore use the BRI to improve our tourism infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism practices, and create unique cultural experiences for visitors.”

“By doing so, we can increase tourism, generate revenue, and create jobs while preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage.”

“We will work closely with our Chinese counterparts to develop joint projects, exchange programmes, and collaborative initiatives that benefit both countries.”

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development strategy launched by the Chinese government in 2013 with investments in over 150 countries and international organisations.