Buhari wants Chinese visa for ECOWAS’ businessmen, students, others

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has implored the government of China to facilitate visa for businessmen and women, and students from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) who seek to visit the country.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the high-level dialogue between Chinese and African leaders and business representatives on Monday in Beijing, he said accounting for 30% of Africa’s population and GDP, the ECOWAS Member States are presently embarking on policies and strategies to stabilise and strengthen internal growth.

He said they are making efforts at diversifying their economies and developing specific policies targeting the most vulnerable groups, in order to ensure more inclusive growth.

According to him, in this regard, Member States will continue to encourage Chinese State-owned companies and entrepreneurs to invest in our sub-region.

Buhari conveyed the appreciation of ECOWAS for China’s increasing investment in the sub-region with the aim of building a prosperous and shared future.

He observed that China is today, the largest investor in the sub-region in both private and public sectors covering areas such as infrastructure, energy, agriculture, mining, healthcare, noting that China also provides significant assistance in emergency humanitarian aid and response to climate change.

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He added: “Various construction projects are now ongoing in the sub-region, including the construction of railway projects, power infrastructure, airports and numerous roads through Chinese financing.

“While it is pertinent to mention that Member States of ECOWAS are at different stages of development, President Xi Jinping’s recent visit to our sub-region has highlighted the need for even closer collaboration to enable more Chinese investment to support the cause of regional integration and development.

“We should also realise that while China’s help is vital, the main push to transform our economies must come from our own efforts and commitment.

“ECOWAS also welcomes more Chinese tourists to visit West Africa. This will enhance people-to-people exchanges, especially now that Member States are getting involved in the Belt and Road Initiative. Our sub-region is endowed with enormous tourism potentials.

“With China’s support, tourism related infrastructure should be developed to empower our citizens, create more employment opportunities among the teeming population and eliminate poverty.

“We would also request visa facilitation for our businessmen and women, and students who seek to visit China.

“ECOWAS Member States will continue to pay emphasis on encouraging more foreign direct investment in the sub-region. To this end, Member States are looking at the opportunities that the China International Import-Export initiative will offer our exporters to gain market access for their goods and services in China. Such an opportunity will help in diversifying the economy of our sub-region from over-reliance on primary agricultural and mineral products and subsequently correct the huge trade imbalance between China and the ECOWAS sub-region on a win-win basis for both parties.”