Nigeria’s manufacturing upgrade tops China’s economic pact —Consul General
By Nkiruka Nnorom and Marvellous Chukwunenye
The enhancement of Nigeria’s manufacturing sector is central to a new economic partnership between Nigeria and China, outgoing Consul General of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, announced on Friday.
Yuqing made her comments at a reception commemorating the 77th anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China and her departure from her position after three years in Lagos.
On March 26, Nigeria and China signed the Framework Agreement on Economic Partnership for Shared Development, which Yuqing described as a significant advancement in implementing agreements reached during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC).
The agreement aims to enhance cooperation in various sectors, including the upgrading of Nigeria’s manufacturing capabilities, agricultural transformation, trade liberalization, green development, and digital trade.
“This framework provides a long-term, stable, and predictable institutional structure for trade and investment between our two countries,” Yuqing stated.
Yuqing, who arrived in Lagos in 2020 as the eighth Consul General and the first woman to hold the position, noted that China’s zero-tariff policy for 53 African nations with diplomatic ties is yielding positive results. This policy has facilitated the entry of more Nigerian premium products, such as cocoa, avocados, and coffee, into Chinese markets.
She highlighted key projects driving Nigeria’s industrialization, including the Lekki Deep Sea Port, the Lekki Free Trade Zone, and the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone. Together, these zones host over 300 companies and have created tens of thousands of jobs.
“The Lekki Deep Sea Port is projected to generate hundreds of billions of dollars in economic benefits and create more than 100,000 jobs during its concession period,” she added.
Yuqing also discussed initiatives aimed at improving local communities, noting that the Consulate has restored sight to over 900 Nigerian cataract patients through its “Renewed Hope, Rebirth from the Light” program and has supported more than 1,000 low-income families through its hunger alleviation efforts.
Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, Secretary to the Lagos State Government, commended the outgoing Consul General for her contributions to strengthening Nigeria-China relations in trade, investment, and other vital sectors.
Salu-Hundeyin emphasized Yuqing’s critical role in enhancing bilateral cooperation across various domains, including agriculture, education, healthcare, technology, renewable energy, and cultural exchanges.
