By Vivian Okejeme
In a bid to deepen China-Africa strategic partnerships,
members of the China Africa Investment Club (CAIC) have appealed to the Chinese Ambassador in Nigeria, Amb. Yu Dunhai, for consideration of Nigeria, particularly Abuja, as host of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit in the last quarter of 2026.
CAIC President, Amb. Dr. Chukwu Chime, made the request during a courtesy visit to the Embassy of China in Nigeria.
The CAIC Regional President described FOCAC as an important platform historically convened in Beijing and select African countries to deepen China-Africa strategic partnerships.
Dr. Chukwu Chime, said hosting such a summit in Nigeria would further deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation and reinforce Nigeria’s position as a key predartner in Africa.
Basically, the visit of CAIC Regional President centered on strengthening bilateral economic cooperation, fostering mutual prosperity and promoting trade and investment between both countries.
The visit according to CAIC Regional President, marked a significant step toward deepening China-Nigeria economic relations and positioning Nigeria as a strategic hub for future China-Africa engagements.
The meeting featured constructive engagements on enhancing trade, infrastructure development, and investment flows between Nigeria and China.
Discussions also emphasized the critical joint role of the Chinese Embassy and the Federal Government of Nigeria in creating an enabling environment that supports collaboration between Nigerian enterprises and Chinese investors.
Apart from the request to host FOCAC Summit in Abuja, Dr Chime proposed to the Chinese Ambassador, the establishment of a Nigeria–China Investment and Technology Cooperation Hub in Abuja.
“This initiative could serve as a central platform for promoting investment, facilitating technology transfer, supporting enterprises, and strengthening institutional collaboration between our two nations” Dr Chime stated.
In addition, he Thirdly, requested the support of the Embassy in facilitating a Nigeria Made Goods Exposition in Guangzhou, China, particularly during the Canton Fair in the last quarter of the year.
“This will provide an opportunity for Nigerian businesses to showcase their products on a global stage, expand export opportunities, and promote balanced trade between both countries” Chime said.
Also, he appealled for continued efforts towards creating a more enabling and efficient visa process for Nigerian and Chinese business professionals.
The Chinese Ambassador was represented by Ms. Dong Hairong, Minister Counsellor to the Embassy of China in Nigeria.
In her remarks, Hairong, expressed appreciation for the initiative of the China Africa Investment Club, noting that its objectives are well aligned with the Embassy’s mission of fostering economic cooperation and sustainable development across Nigeria and the African continent.
The CAIC delegation was led by its Regional President, Amb. Dr. Chime, and included representatives from leading indigenous businesses.
Notably present was FungTai Engineering Company Limited, Lead Partner in the New Festac Property Development Company Limited—the concessionaire for the ongoing reclamation and development of the Festac Phase 2 project in Lagos.
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