Interview with the Nigerian Trade Commissioner to China: Cooperation for mutual benefit, continuing to expand the China-Nigeria trade basket
12-23
In recent years, the trade and investment relations between China and Nigeria have continued to deepen and become more concrete. Recently, a reporter from China Youth Daily · China Youth Net interviewed Ibrahim A. Ahmed, Trade Attaché of the Nigerian Consulate General in Shanghai (Trade Department). He stated that the strong momentum of economic relations between the two countries has not diminished, and the diversification of trade products and increased economic cooperation are the main factors driving this trend.
"The scale of trade between Nigeria and China has always been large and continues to grow, despite some fluctuations," Ahmed pointed out. Nigeria's exports to China mainly include agricultural products and mineral resources, while imports from China are mainly electrical equipment, machinery, textiles, and agricultural machinery.
The continuous deepening of bilateral trade between China and Nigeria is inseparable from the complementarity of their economies. Ahmed stated that the two countries have strong economic complementarity based on their respective resource endowments, industrial structures, and development needs. "Nigeria can benefit from China's manufacturing strength by importing high-quality and reasonably priced products." Looking to the future, Ahmed believes that the two countries can continue to expand their trade basket through various means, such as signing trade agreements, organizing trade fairs, and promoting market access for each other's goods and services.
Ahmed told the China Youth Daily · China Youth Net reporter that under the "Belt and Road" initiative, economic and trade cooperation between Nigeria and China has ushered in new opportunities. In recent years, with the continuous growth of bilateral trade between China and Nigeria, more and more Chinese enterprises have established themselves in Nigeria, and these enterprises are continuously contributing to bilateral trade cooperation. Ahmed stated that Chinese companies have invested heavily in Nigeria's infrastructure sector, particularly in road construction, railways, bridges, and ports. "These investments help improve Nigeria's transportation network and promote economic growth." He cited examples: the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway has significantly improved transportation between Nigeria's two largest cities; and the Abuja-Kaduna Railway is a key railway line connecting the capital Abuja with Kaduna, promoting faster and more efficient movement of goods and people.
Not only that, Chinese companies have also invested in numerous renewable energy projects in Nigeria, improving the local energy structure, such as the Mambila Hydroelectric Project, which has increased Nigeria's power generation capacity. In addition, Chinese telecommunications companies have played a crucial role in expanding and upgrading Nigeria's telecommunications infrastructure, enabling wider access to mobile and internet services in Nigeria.
"I hope that Chinese enterprises can invest more in Nigeria, especially in key areas such as infrastructure, manufacturing, agriculture, and energy, which are vital for Nigeria's economic growth," Ahmed said.
Despite significant investment and progress by Chinese enterprises in Nigeria, they still face some challenges. Ahmed pointed out that changes in government policies and regulations may affect Chinese investment in Nigeria, creating uncertainty and risks for Chinese companies. Furthermore, increasing competition from more foreign investors entering the local market, especially in sectors such as telecommunications and manufacturing, leads to challenges for Chinese companies in maintaining market share and profitability.
In response, Ahmed proposed a series of solutions. He suggested that both governments should strengthen communication and coordination to timely understand each other's policy intentions and changes, and adjust cooperation strategies accordingly.
Ahmed believes that cultural exchange can also help eliminate differences and barriers in customs, traditions, and social norms, enhancing mutual understanding and respect between the peoples of the two countries.
(Source: China Youth Daily Client)
