In a bid to strengthen economic cooperation, a high-level delegation of Nigerian officials and stakeholders recently attended a two-week seminar in China from June 4 to 17, 2024.
In his keynote speech, Nigerian Foreign Minister, Mr Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, who visited Beijing on June 19, 2024, emphasised the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China and the critical role of business exchanges in driving economic growth and diversification.
The seminar, organised by the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos and Tianjin Economic-technological Development Area (TEDA), focused on the market-oriented reforms that have fuelled China’s economic growth, highlighting the nation’s investment in education and healthcare, which significantly boosted its human capital.
The participants of the seminar gained valuable insights into the Asian giant’s economic development model.
The participants included senior officials from Ogun State government, the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA), the Nigeria Customs Service, the Nigerian Police Force, traditional rulers, heads of tertiary institutions, and managers of China-Africa Investment FZC, the management company of Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone amongst others, attended the seminar.
The seminar, which covered topics such as market-oriented reforms, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), environmental protection, and foreign direct investment, with Chinese experts sharing their experiences and best practices, also aimed to strengthen Nigeria-China collaboration, offering valuable lessons for the management of Nigerian SEZs.
The participants of the seminar described it as a game-changer, praising China’s remarkable economic achievements and its willingness to share expertise with Nigeria.
One of the delegates, Dr Abdul Jhalil Tafawa Balewa, said he was impressed by China’s economic transformation and its potential applicability to Nigeria and thanked TEDA for the lessons learned.
Representing the NEPZA MD at the seminar, Mr Olaseni Williams, lauded China’s SEZ scheme, calling it a brilliant idea that transformed China into an economic powerhouse.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, CP Abiodun Alamutu, also expressed satisfaction with the seminar while emphasising that the experience would strengthen Nigeria-China relations.
He proposed a security collaboration and exchange programme to enhance capacity development, linking economic progress with safety and security.
The Oloja Ekun of Igbesa, Oba Abdulazeez Oluwatoyin Akinde, commended the Chinese government’s efforts to attract foreign investments through SEZs and improve educational standards.
As a result of his experience in the seminar, he expressed a desire to replicate these successes in Igbesa which hosts the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone while anticipating future collaborations.
On his part, Rector of Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa, Dr Abiodun Oluseye, remarked that the seminar was a significant eye-opener, highlighting China’s remarkable technological advancements.
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