China’s zero-tariff creates direct gateway for Nigerian goods to Chinese market – Perm Sec

By Ochiaka Ugwu

The Permanent Secretary of the Nigerian Federal Ministry of Innovation, Science and Technology Dr. Mukhtar Yawale Muhammed said the implementation of China’s zero-tariff policy for products from 53 African countries has created a direct and powerful gateway for Nigerian agricultural goods into the vast Chinese market.

Muhammed who made this known Saturday at the occasion of the Seasonal Life Harmonious China Cultural Exhibition held in Abuja said with the zero-tariff access, Nigerian products now compete effectively in China, offering a substantial boost to rural economy and farmers’ incomes.

According him, “The initiative, which took effect in May, creates a direct and powerful gateway for Nigerian agricultural goods into the vast Chinese market. For decades, our sesame, ginger, cashew nuts, and cocoa have been produced with immense potential, yet faced barriers to entry. With this zero-tariff access, these products can now compete effectively in China, offering a substantial boost to our rural economy and farmers’ incomes” he said.

“Just as the seasons of the year bring renewal and harvest, the partnership between Nigeria and China is entering a season of unprecedented opportunity.

“As we speak, we are witnessing the fruits of a strategic relationship that is moving beyond trade into deep agricultural, technological and scientific transformation” he stated.

While felicitating with Communist Party of China (CPC) on its 105th anniversary, he noted the CPC has charted a remarkable course making China to achieve extraordinary progress in socio-economic development, scientific and technological innovation, poverty reduction, and world-class infrastructure transformation.

He said the “Chinese miracle” was a testimony to visionary leadership and a model for developing nations, particularly on how strategic planning can transform technological leapfrogging.

In his welcome remarks, Cultural Counselor of Chinese Embassy and Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria, Yang Jianxing who described the event as part of China-Nigeria people-to-people and cultural exchange series, said that cultural exchange was a vital component of China-Africa friendly cooperation and serves as an important bridge for fostering mutual understanding and affinity between their peoples, as well as for promoting dialogue and mutual learning among civilizations.

Counselor Yang expressed that the two nations were ancient civilizations with long histories and splendid cultures; despite the vast distance separating them, they shared rich, diverse cultural traditions and a spirit of openness and inclusiveness.

He noted that mutual understanding between the peoples has deepened with friendship further been consolidated, injecting continuous vitality into the development of the China-Nigeria comprehensive strategic partnership.

The exhibition brought together Nigerian senior government officials, Chinese delegation, members of diplomatic community, officials of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria and Nigerian friends, to experience fusion of Chinese and Nigerian culture as they strengthen People-to-People Exchange for heightened bilateral ties in technology, agriculture and economic development in the new era.