The Nigeria – China Business Council, NCBC wants Nigerian business community to effectively harness the business opportunities being provided by the Chinese Government towards enhancing national economic development.
Chairman of NCBC, Chief Jacob Wood made the call in Abuja during a Stakeholders Business Forum and Luncheon organized by the Council with the theme “From Trade to Transformation: Advancing Nigeria – China Business Strategic Economic Partnership for Sustainable Development.”
Wood, who expressed satisfaction with the business ties between Nigeria and China said NCBC would continue to sensitize necessary stakeholders on various business and economic opportunities available in both countries towards job creation, poverty reduction and economic development.
In his welcome address, the National Coordinator/CEO of Nigeria China Business Council, NCBC, Dr Sam Agbi said the Council has so far attracted investment worth over ten million dollars to Nigeria through Chinese Electrical and Electronics companies.
Agbi stated that thousands of jobs had also been created for youths across Nigeria through investors attracted by NCBC to the country thereby adding to the nation’s value chains.
“Today’s theme, “From Trade to Transformation: Advancing Nigeria-China Strategic Economic Partnership for Sustainable Development,” aptly captures the next and most desirable phase of Nigeria-China relations and this challenges us to move beyond the traditional exchange of goods towards productive investment, industrialisation, technology transfer, value addition, skills development, innovation, and sustainable economic growth” He explained
According to him, it is a call for both nations to transform our long-standing friendship into a strategic partnership that delivers inclusive prosperity and shared development for our peoples.
In his words “The Nigeria-China Business Council was established to serve as the foremost bridge between the public and private sectors of Nigeria and China. Our mandate is to facilitate bilateral trade and investment, promote strategic partnerships, advocate enabling policies, provide business support services, and create opportunities that strengthen economic cooperation between the peoples of the two countries”.
“Over the years, the Council has continued to demonstrate its credibility as a trusted organisation for businesses seeking to engage with China and we have facilitated numerous investment opportunities, organised trade missions, business matchmaking programmes, investment forums, and capacity-building initiatives for Nigerian entrepreneurs and corporate organisations.
Agbi further stated that the Council has also successfully coordinated the participation of Nigerian businesses and institutions in several programmes both in Nigeria and China.
These include specialised training programmes, workshops, investment fairs, the globally renowned Canton Fair, and the Panda Film and Television Festival held in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, among many others.
These engagements have continued to expose Nigerian businesses to global best practices while opening new frontiers for collaboration, innovation, and investment.
“One of the major objectives of today’s forum is to provide a sustainable platform for dialogue, collaboration, and partnership between the Nigerian and Chinese business communities.
We envision this forum becoming a rallying point where investors, manufacturers, exporters, financial institutions, policymakers, and development partners can interact, exchange ideas, and develop mutually beneficial business relationships, particularly in Abuja and the Northern States of Nigeria.
“We, therefore, wish to reassure all stakeholders that the Council remains a credible, dependable, and professional organisation through which Nigerian businesses can access reliable information, strategic partnerships, and investment opportunities in China, while equally supporting Chinese enterprises seeking to invest, establish businesses, and expand their operations in Nigeria.
“One of the major outcomes we expect from today’s forum is the adoption of a comprehensive communiqué capturing the key resolutions, recommendations, and actionable proposals arising from our deliberations.
“We are confident that this communiqué will provide practical pathways for translating the aspirations of our theme into concrete actions that will strengthen Nigeria-China economic cooperation and deliver tangible benefits to all stakeholders and I encourage you all to participate actively in today’s deliberations and contribute practical ideas that will enrich our discussions.
“Together, let us develop actionable recommendations that will strengthen our strategic partnership and translate our shared vision into sustainable investments, industrial growth, and inclusive prosperity for our two nations.
“As part of the ongoing rebranding and institutional repositioning of the Nigeria-China Business Council, today’s forum will also witness the formal presentation and decoration of stakeholders with the official NCBC lapel pin by our distinguished Chairman, Chief Jacob K. Wood, MFR.
“This symbolic gesture reflects our shared commitment to the Council’s renewed vision and our collective resolve to deepen Nigeria-China economic cooperation,” he said.
In a goodwill message, the the Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, NIPC, Ms Aisha Rimi called on Chinese Investors to invest in manufacturing, solid minerals, agriculture engineering and other. areas that would boost national economic development.
Rimi, who was represented by the Head, Investment Promotion Department in NIPC, Mr Emmanuel Longza said the Commission had put in place various incentives and modalities to encourage investment in Nigeria.
Also speaking, a representative of the Executive Director of Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC, Mrs Judith Kurama and that of Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, SMEDAN, Mrs Mary Kolawole commended NCBC for its advocacy on improved business relations between Nigeria and China
They promised their Agency’s support to NCBC towards ensuring export of non oil products, MSMEs and Entrepreneurship as well as national economic development
Other speakers at Stakeholders Forum which include a former Controller of Immigration, Mr Samuel Chinda and General Salisu Uba, Rtd stressed the need for Nigerians to take advantage of opportunities provided by China towards economic growth in Nigeria.
