Nigeria-China commerce relations hit $22.6bn in 2023 – Shettima

Vice President Kashim Shettima has revealed that Nigeria-China commerce relations reached $22.6bn in 2023, making it one of many highest commerce volumes between China and any African nation.

Shettima’s spokesman, Stanley Nkwocha, disclosed this on his official X (previously Twitter) web page on Wednesday.

Nkwocha quoted Shettima to have mentioned so whereas addressing a Chinese language delegation, led by the Vice-Chairman of the Standing Committee of the Nationwide Individuals’s Congress, Zhang Qingwei, at a gathering in Aso Rock Villa on Tuesday.

“Final 12 months in 2023, our commerce relations with China obtained to $22.6bn, one of many highest in Africa, if not the best, and that commerce relationship is rising by 33 per cent yearly,” Shettima acknowledged, in line with the submit.

He recommended the commerce development and reassured the delegation of Nigeria’s dedication to fostering stronger ties with China.

The vp highlighted the longstanding bilateral relations between the 2 nations, which have spanned over 53 years since 1971.

“Nigeria and China have loved heat bilateral relations for 53 years. This friendship is clear within the quite a few high-level visits, together with the current go to of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to China in September 2024. These visits have fostered deeper cooperation and strengthened ties,” he added.

Shettima additionally praised China’s cultural and financial achievements and known as for higher South-South cooperation to boost partnerships between the 2 nations.

He reiterated Nigeria’s help for the One China coverage and appealed for China’s help in addressing Nigeria’s safety challenges, noting, “There can by no means be peace with out growth, and there can by no means be growth with out peace. We’re investing in expertise and want your help.”

Responding, Qingwei emphasised China’s readiness to deepen its strategic partnership with Nigeria, following President Tinubu’s current go to to China.

“President Tinubu and Xi Jinping collectively introduced the elevation of Nigeria-China relations to a complete strategic partnership, opening a brand new chapter. China stands able to implement the vital consensus between our leaders and help Nigeria’s developmental aspirations,” he acknowledged.

Earlier, The PidomNigeria reported that the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has known as for the strengthening of ties between Nigeria and China, saying that the present $13bn commerce quantity between the 2 international locations will be improved upon.