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 a press release issued by the spokesperson of the Vice-President, Mr Stanley Nkwocha on Wednesday.
Shettima made this identified when he acquired 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
In response to Shettima, commerce between Nigeria and China is likely one of the highest in Africa.
“In 2023, our commerce relations with China obtained to 22.6 billion {dollars}, one of many highest in Africa, if not the 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 need to reassure you that we are going to assist you in no matter method we are able to. We consider in you, we respect you and we cherish our relationship,” the VP said.
Shettima burdened the necessity to strengthen relations between the 2 nations which have spanned over 50 years for the advantage of each nations.
“That is the time when there needs to be better South-South cooperation. There needs to be better engagement between China and Nigeria. For us, additionally it is time to strengthen ties,” he stated.
Shettima, who assured the delegation that Nigeria helps the One China coverage, expressed optimism that Nigeria would surmount its safety challenges. The vp, subsequently, 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 need to reposition the safety structure of our nation. We’re investing in know-how and we’d like your assist, we’d like your cooperation and your partnership,” he stated.
Earlier, Zhang, stated the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China was opening a brand new web page of relationship between the 2 nations.
Zhang stated China was prepared to maneuver the connection to a brand new excessive.
“In September this yr, President Tinubu attended the Discussion board on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and likewise 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 necessary consensus between our leaders on the end result of the summit and elevate Nigeria- China relations to a brand new top,” he stated.
He additionally pointed to the necessity for Nigeria and China to assist one another politically, including that Tinubu was dedicated to financial diversification, and China is able to assist Nigeria’s developmental expedition.
