Vice-President Kashim Shettima has expressed satisfaction with the continual improve within the quantity of commerce between Nigeria and China, saying it reached $22.6 billion in 2023.
That is contained in an announcement issued by the spokesperson of the Vice-President, Mr Stanley Nkwocha on Wednesday.
Shettima made this recognized when he obtained a delegation from China, on the Presidential Villa, Abuja. The delegation was led by Vice Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Nationwide Folks’s Congress, Mr Zhang Qingwei
Highest commerce in Africa
In accordance with Shettima, commerce between Nigeria and China is likely one of the highest in Africa.
“In 2023, our commerce relations with China received to 22.6 billion {dollars}, one of many highest in Africa, if not the very best, and that commerce relationship is rising by 33% yearly.
“Thoughts you, the Nigerian financial system is choosing up however that didn’t cease our enterprise relationship with China.
“I wish to reassure you that we’ll assist you in no matter manner we will. We imagine in you, we respect you and we cherish our relationship,” the VP acknowledged.
Strengthening relations between Nigeria and China
Shettima burdened the necessity to strengthen relations between the 2 nations which have spanned over 50 years for the advantage of each nations.
- He famous that Nigeria and China have loved heat bilateral relations for 53 years, courting again to 1971 and this friendship is obvious within the quite a few high-level visits between the 2 nations, together with the current go to of President Bola Tinubu to China in September 2024.
- These visits, he mentioned, have fostered deeper cooperation and strengthened ties between the 2 nations.
- The vice chairman, who expressed his admiration for China’s tradition and traditions, mentioned the nation was already making its mark among the many committee of countries.
- Shettima additionally known as for larger engagements between the 2 pleasant nations.
“That is the time when there needs to be larger South-South cooperation. There needs to be larger engagement between China and Nigeria. For us, it is usually time to strengthen ties,” he mentioned.
One China coverage
Shettima, who assured the delegation that Nigeria helps the One China coverage, expressed optimism that Nigeria would surmount its safety challenges. The vice chairman, due to this fact, appealed for assist from China in that regard.
“You may have talked about safety; there can by no means be peace with out growth and there can by no means be growth with out peace.
“We actually wish to reposition the safety structure of our nation. We’re investing in expertise and we want your assist, we want your cooperation and your partnership,” he mentioned.
Earlier, Zhang, mentioned the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China was opening a brand new web page of relationship between the 2 nations.
Zhang mentioned China was prepared to maneuver the connection to a brand new excessive.
“In September this 12 months, President Tinubu attended the Discussion board on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and in addition had a State go to.
“President Tinubu and Xi Jinping collectively introduced to raise Nigeria-China relations to a complete strategic partnership, opening a brand new chapter of relations.
“China stands able to work with Nigeria to implement the vital consensus between our leaders on the end result of the summit and elevate Nigeria- China relations to a brand new peak,” he mentioned.
He additionally pointed to the necessity for Nigeria and China to assist one another politically, including that Tinubu was dedicated to {economic} diversification, and China is able to assist Nigeria’s developmental expedition.
