Nigeria, China Pledge Deeper Economic Ties At Abuja CAETE Expo

Abuja, Nigeria –  Nigeria and China reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening economic ties at the 18th China Africa Economic and Trade Exhibition (CAETE) held in Abuja on Thursday.

The expo, showcasing primarily Chinese engineering technology, drew nearly 100 exhibitors from China and a number from Nigeria, underscoring the growing economic partnership between the two nations.

Government officials from both countries used the platform to pledge enhanced cooperation and mutual benefits.

The event, opened by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai, and Nigerian Minister of Transportation, Mr. Said Alkali, saw the launch of the African Green Development Index.

This initiative aims to promote sustainable economic and industrial growth across Africa, emphasizing environmentally conscious practices.

Ambassador Yu highlighted Nigeria’s pivotal role in China-Africa cooperation, emphasizing the country’s significant environmental and economic advantages.

He urged Nigeria to leverage its burgeoning relationship with China to drive domestic economic growth across various sectors, particularly given Nigeria’s position as the largest contracting market for Chinese operators in Africa.

He emphasized that China’s engagement goes beyond simple trade, focusing on providing technological assistance and infrastructure development to support Nigeria’s industrialization efforts.

Minister Alkali echoed this sentiment, assuring attendees of the Nigerian government’s dedication to facilitating infrastructure development through collaboration with Chinese companies, aiming for outcomes as impactful as those achieved through the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Mr. Fang Qiuchen, Chairman of the China International Contractors Association (CHINCA), detailed ambitious plans for future collaborations.

He highlighted the long-standing relationship between China and Nigeria, dating back to 1971, and emphasized the potential for sharing China’s advanced technology, especially in infrastructure, with Nigerian partners.

Mr. Fang specifically addressed plans to collaborate on new energy projects, the development of digital smart cities, and advancements in infrastructure and agriculture.

He stressed the importance of this partnership in tackling Nigeria’s energy challenges and fostering sustainable urban development.

He explained that the collaboration will utilize China’s technological prowess and Nigeria’s abundant resources to create a sustainable energy framework beneficial to both nations.

These projects are expected to significantly improve energy access in Nigeria and contribute substantially to the nation’s economic growth.

The partnership, according to Mr. Fang, will encompass investments in solar, wind, and hydroelectric energy, aligning with global efforts towards cleaner energy sources.

The development of smart cities will incorporate digital technologies to enhance urban management and improve the quality of life for Nigerian citizens.

He further noted the presence of the Deputy Governor of the China Development Bank, signalling a strong commitment to financing these ambitious projects, utilising technologies such as big data, cloud computing, and AI to enhance infrastructure intelligence and automation.

The integration of digital technology into new infrastructure, the blue economy, and agricultural modernization was also identified as a key area of cooperation.

The CAETE expo served as a significant platform for strengthening the economic partnership between Nigeria and China, with both nations pledging sustained commitment and collaboration towards shared prosperity and sustainable development.

The ambitious projects announced promise substantial advancements in Nigeria’s infrastructure, energy sector, and overall economic landscape.