Nigeria and China have long maintained a cordial trade relationship, but recent statistics show a decline in bilateral trade by N37.3bn ($81m) to $219m in 2022 from the previous record of $300m in 2021.
Despite this decline, both countries are making efforts to enhance bilateral relations and explore ways to increase trade value.
Wang Yingqi, the Minister and Counsellor for Economic and Commercial Affairs at the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, led a delegation from the Chinese Chamber of Commerce to the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission in Abuja. During the meeting, he emphasized the need to improve bilateral relations and increase trade value.
Yingqi stated that the Chinese government has invested in the Lekki Free Trade Zone through a Public-Private Partnership with the Nigerian and Lagos State governments.
He further highlighted that the total investment from Chinese companies to Nigeria in 2022 was around $219m, while in 2021, it was $300m.
Responding to the delegation, the Executive Secretary of the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Saratu Umar, reiterated the federal government’s commitment to deepening business partnerships with the Chinese government.
She emphasized the need for Nigeria to start exporting finished goods to China rather than just importing raw materials.
Umar stated, “We want the Chinese business environment to identify areas of interest, whether it is agriculture or solid minerals, so Nigeria can integrate it into the Investment Masterplan.”