Group Welcomes Call For Stronger Trade Ties With China

THE Goods Made-in-China Importers Association (GMIA) has expressed delight with the recent call by the Chinese President, Mr. Xi Jinping for better cooperation with Nigeria on trade and investment.

In a statement yesterday by its Secretary, Charles Udeogaranya, GMIA also called for the creation of special fund for the importers of Chinese goods in Nigeria.

It urged representatives of both Nigeria and Chinese governments to swing into action and bring into fruition President Xi Jinping’s aspiration for the greater benefit of both nations.

The statement reads: “Goods Made-in-China Importers Association (GMIA) appreciates and welcomes the Chinese President, Mr. Xi Jinping’s call for boosting cooperation with Nigeria on trade, investment, finance and others, but most importantly the exploration of new areas and ways for practical cooperation.

“This is one area that our association would like to propose the creation of special fund for the importers of Chinese goods, hence Nigeria through the ac
tivities of importers have become the continental market hub for the distribution of Chinese goods in Africa.

“Poor financing arising from double-digit interest loans often tend to limit importers volume of importation and distribution network, which invariably leads to fewer jobs.

“Provision of funds and other improvements on Chinese – Nigeria relations will create a more prosperous business relationship as Nigerian importers are capable of extending the distribution of Chinese goods towards South America, Middle East and a large part of Eastern Europe from goods imported into Nigeria on a well-enhanced plan.

“We encourage representatives of both Nigeria and Chinese governments to swing into action and bring into fruition this noble and well-meaning call made by President Xi Jinping of China for the greater benefits of both nations.”
It could be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had reportedly pledged stronger ties with China after a meeting with the Chinese government’s representative at his inauguration ceremony on May29 in Abuja.

Buhari was said to have held talks with Han Changfu, President Xi Jinping’s Special Envoy and Minister of Agriculture, with the two sides agreeing to further enhance their win-win cooperation.

“We held talks and reached consensus on issues of bilateral ties and those of shared interests,” Han had told reporters in Abuja.

Han said the Chinese government was willing to work together with Nigeria’s new government and the leadership of President Buhari for further growth of bilateral relations.

Officials from the two countries also reportedly held a meeting over cooperation in infrastructure, electricity and agriculture.

Trade between China and Nigeria hit 18.1 billion U.S dollars last year and Nigeria is China’s second-largest export market in Africa. This figure is bound to rise substantially should Nigeria and China further strengthen ties.