By Abubakar Yunusa
The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos and the Made In China Goods Traders Association of Nigeria have agreed to collaborate in the areas of commerce, training, scholarships, healthcare and charitable initiatives.
The agreement was reached during a visit by the association’s Patron and National President, Chief Olu Samuel Adigun, alongside members of the group, to the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, Madam Yan Yuqing.
Speaking during the meeting, Adigun said the association had existed for more than a decade with the objective of strengthening trade and economic relations between Nigeria and China.
He, however, lamented that the association had not received adequate recognition and support from the Chinese Consulate despite its contributions over the years.
According to him, the situation has affected the association’s ability to fully realise its objectives and provide greater assistance to its members.
Adigun appealed for increased inclusiveness and visa support for members travelling to China for business purposes, particularly first-time visitors and regular traders attending exhibitions and official events.
He said, “Today, we humbly use this golden opportunity to request greater inclusiveness and opportunities for visa support for our members who want to visit China for the first time and the regular travellers among us to participate in trade exhibitions and official events organised or supported by the consulate, especially the Canton Fair and other important trade shows in China.
“Such opportunities will help us guide our members properly and encourage them to serve as good ambassadors of Nigeria while strictly obeying the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China.”
The association’s president also sought scholarship opportunities for members to participate in training programmes in China aimed at enhancing knowledge, skills development, cultural exchange and international exposure.
“We also request the consulate for consideration of our members for scholarships to participate in China inbound training programmes for knowledge and skills development, cultural exchange, international exposure and capacity building,” he added.
Responding, Madam Yuqing assured the delegation that the consulate would consider the requests presented by the association.
She pledged the consulate’s support for the organisation and expressed readiness to partner with the association in the areas highlighted during the meeting.
The development is expected to further strengthen commercial ties and deepen cooperation between Chinese business interests and Nigerian traders.
