By Ochiaka Ugwu
A member of the Nigerian House of Representatives and Chairman, House Committee on Nigeria, China Relations, Hon. Jaafaru Yakubu said the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) had brought great opportunities for economic developments, infrastructural enhancement and cultural exchange between China and Nigeria.
Hon. Yakubu who made this known Thursday in his opening address delivered on the occasion of the Third Belt and Road China -Nigeria Economic and Trade Forum held in Abuja said the Belt and Road initiative, lunched by China in 2013, aims to connect Asia with Europe, Africa and beyond through a series of infrastructural projects, such as roads, railways, ports and energy facilities.
He said that Nigeria being the largest economy in Africa has become a key participant in the initiative seeking to improve its infrastructure, boosts trade and enhance its overall development framework.
According to him, “One of the key aspects of this cooperation between Nigeria and China is the enhancement of transportation infrastructure. Through the belt and road initiative, China has invested in the construction of roads and railways providing Nigeria with better connectivity within the country and across borders.
“This has facilitated the movement of goods, services and people bringing about increased trade and economic integration.
“Furthermore, the collaboration between our two nations has led to significant advancements in the energy sector. China has been involved in the construction of power plants and renewable energy projects in Nigeria contributing to the country’s efforts to meet its energy demands and reduce its reliance on fossil fuels. This has not only boosted Nigeria’s energy capacity but has also provided job opportunities for Nigerians” he said.
Also speaking, representative of President of the China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria, Deputy General Manager of CCECC Nigeria Limited, Mr. Liu Jiang said China General Chamber of Commerce in Nigeria was established in July 2011, with the aims to promote business-to-business exchange and China-Nigeria economic and trade cooperation.
He informed The Beit and Road Initiative (BRI) was proposed by Chinese President, Xi Jinping in 2013 drawing inspiration from the ancient Silk Road, with the aim to promote policy communication, infrastructure connectivity. unimpeded trade, financial integration and people-to-people exchanges among countries along the Beit and Road.
He said General Chamber’s members respond the call of the BRI actively as they work closely with local partners to play the harmony of China-Nigeria cooperation which led to a number of landmark projects being completed one after another.
