*Says China-Nigeria bilateral trade volume reached $5.4bn in May 2017
By Ikenna Asomba
His Excellency, Chao Xiaoliang, Consul General of China in Lagos, has affirmed that China has experienced a remarkable journey over the past 68 years, noting that “under the strong leadership of Chinese Communist Party, the Chinese people has made unremitting efforts to turn the poverty-stricken country to the second largest economy in the world.
Xiaoliang also stated that the China-Nigeria bilateral trade volume reached $5.4bn in the first five months of 2017 (May 2017), a 32.8 per cent increase over the same period last year.
Speaking on Sunday, September 24, 2017, at the Reception marking the 68th Anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, at the Oriental Hotels, Victoria-Island, Lagos, Xiaoliang stated that over the past 68years, China has been admired for the rapid growth of its national economy, particularly the notable increase of overall national strength, and significant improvement of its people’s living standard.
According to the envoy, “In 2016, China’s GDP reaches $11.2 trillion U.S. Dollars with a 6.7 per cent year-on-year growth. Despite the sluggish world economy, the Chinese economy has maintained a momentum of steady and sound growth this year 2017, as the contribution of China’s economic growth to the world economy maintains at about 30 per cent.”
He disclosed that the National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) is expected to convene on October 18 in Beijing, saying that with the promotion and implementation of the spirit of the 19th National Congress of the CPC, the Communist Party of China and Chinese people will make joint efforts to create a brighter future for the people and the nation.
Speaking on the China-Nigeria relations, Xiaoliang said: “With joint efforts of the two countries, recent years have witnessed tangible progress in China-Nigeria relations. China-Nigeria strategic partnership enjoyed comprehensive and rapid development. Last April, President Muhammadu Buhari, paid a successful state visit to China, which stimulated the bilateral relations between China and Nigeria.
“In the first five months of 2017, the bilateral trade volume reached $5.4 billion U.S. Dollars, increased 32.8 per cent over the same period last year. More and more Chinese enterprises and citizens come to invest, work and live in Nigeria. They work hard to realize their dreams in this prosperous land, and has made contribution to Nigeria’s social and economic development.”
“October 1st is the National Day for the People’s Republic of China, and also the Independence Day of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. I hereby seize this opportunity to give my most sincere birthday blessings to all Nigerians,” he said, adding that “it’s been 46years since the establishment of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations.”
According to the Consul General, “Under the trend of the world’s multi-polarization and economic globalization, deepened and explored mutually beneficial cooperation in all fields, between China and Nigeria, serves as the fundamental and long-term interests of the two countries and their people. Therefore, let’s join hands together to strengthen mutually beneficial cooperation. I believe China-Nigeria friendship will enjoy an even brighter future.”
While wishing China and Nigeria, a happy birthday and well-being of the citizens of both countries, the diplomat said, “May the friendship between the Peoples of our two countries last forever.”
Meanwhile, eminent personalities who graced the colourful-event were: German Consul General to Nigeria, Ingo Herbert; South African Consul General to Nigeria, Darkey Africa; Deputy Consul General of China in Lagos, Guan Zhongqi; Speaker Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa; Head of Department, Protocol, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Moses Akeke; Publisher, Diplomatic Watch, Victor Gotevbe, among others.
