The Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment wants Nigeria to strengthen its bilateral trade relations with China.
The Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo made the call in Abuja at a forum on China-Africa Cooperation.
Otunba Adebayo who was represented by the Director, Investments Department in the Ministry, Mrs Olukemi Arodudu said the call became necessary to further enhance national economic development.
The Minister commended the Nigeria Entrepreneurs Forum on its China relations noting that the move would go a long way in boosting trade and Investment between Nigeria and China
Earlier, the President of Nigeria Entrepreneurs Forum, NEF, Dr. Sidney Inegbedion stressed the need for Nigeria to take advantage of offers made to Africa by China to ensure rapid development of the nation’s economy.
Dr. Inegbedion identified 10 poverty reduction and agricultural projects as well as the setting up of China-Africa joint centers for agro-technology exchanges as some of the projects Nigeria should embrace for rapid growth.
According to him, Nigeria needs to do more to provide a safe operating environment for Chinese companies.
On his part, the Executive Secretary, Federation of Agricultural Commodities Association of Nigeria, FACAN, Prince Peter Bakare said Nigeria is blessed with abundant agricultural, human and natural resources needed for national economic development.
The summit with the theme “Strengthening Nigeria-China Trade and Investment Relations In An Era of Global Change featured paper presentation and was attended by stakeholders from private and public sector of the nation’s economy.
MATHEW AYOOLA