The Peoples Republic of China has expressed her readiness to seek deeper partnership with the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS).
Stakeholders in the maritime industry have averred that a collaboration between the world most populous nation and African most populous country is expected yield more benefits that would leverage on the existing bilateral ties both countries.
The Deputy Consulate General of China in Nigeria, Mr. Li Yong stated this in Lagos when he paid a courtesy call on the NCS Zonal Coordinator, Zone ‘A’, Lagos, ACG Eporwei CB Edike.
In furtherance of this partnership, Yong who represented the Consulate General, requested for an interactive forum between the NCS and the People’s Republic of China in Nigeria to enable them have more knowledge on import and export laws and regulations.
The training, he said will improve their knowledge of Customs import and export laws and regulations and so reduced friction between the NCS and the Chinese traders in Nigeria.
Yong expressed his happiness over his meeting with NCS, pointing out that he was glad to meet the Zonal Coordinator and the management of Zone ‘A’.
According to him, he sincerely believed that the visit will deepen the relationship between the peoples of Republic of China and Nigeria.
The Zonal Coordinator in his response thanked the Deputy Consulate General for the visit and appreciated his effort in seeking for an interactive session to educate his people in Customs Import and Export laws and regulations.
“This will go a long way in trade facilitations and revenue generation which is one of the customs mandate”, he said.
On the issue of interactive forum, the Zonal Coordinator promise to forward the Deputy Consulate General request to the Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Colonel Ibrahim Hameed Ali (retired) for permission to organize the session.
Edike in his response said that the visit is very important and will enhance the already existing bilateral trade investments between Nigeria and the Peoples Republic of China.
He also stressed the fact that the role of NCS cannot be over stated as the country’s economy is experiencing deep adjustments and low growth.