Nigeria, China sign MOU on transfer of technical skills
In his address of welcome Mr. William Wang, director African Investment Network said, China and Nigeria trade relations have been cordial, adding that Nigeria remains China’s biggest trading partner in Africa. According to Wang, his organization is a bridge linking Nigeria and Chinese businessmen, stressing that the visit of Nigeria’s business delegation to China will open a floodgate of Chinese investments to Nigeria. He called on the Nigerian government to provide an enabling environment for business to thrive especially in the area of power sector.
“This visit will strengthen the China – Nigeria trade relations and also attract more Chinese investors to Nigeria but you people must improve on power supply because no business thrives in an environment where power is not steady.” Responding, the Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr. Ortom explained that the Goodluck Jonathan administration was determined to make Nigerian investment haven, as it was ready to deliver on its promises in the electricity sector.
He said, the ongoing reform in the power sector is geared towards improved power supply, which, he said if completed would attract more foreign investments to Nigeria. On security challenge, Dr. Ortom, highlighted measures taken by government to end terrorism in the country, which include: granting amnesty to Boko Haram and equipping the Nigerian Police force to be proactive towards crime detection and prevention.
He urged the Chinese investors to take advantage of business opportunities in Nigeria. “ Nigeria is a land of business opportunities, therefore I encourage you to take advantage of enormous business opportunities in Nigeria and invest in my country” he said. Speaking at the business meeting Mr. Festus Mbisiogu, Chairman Blue Diamond Logistics China, commended the minister for his painstaking efforts to boost business development in Nigeria and promised to continue to work with the ministry on the ongoing industrialization of the nation’s economy.
praised President Jonathan’s effort to achieve steady power supply but called for improvement, which according to him is the major factor that will attract foreign investment. Highlights of the event was a visit of the delegation to one of the China’s industrial parks led by the Deputy Mayor of Sonshui Municipal Government in Foshan, Guangzhou province, an industrial city harbouring Songshui economic Development zone, where Dr. Ortom on behalf of the Nigeria government signed an MOU with Chinese Africa Investment, Trade and Commerce Institution on transfer of technical skills and to open manufacturing bases, offices similar to the ones in Songshui Industrial Park and the establishment of Economic zone in Nigeria. The Nigerian Ambassador to China, Alhaji Aminu Bashir Wali, later hosted the minister to dinner.
Sunnewsonline.com
