By Victor Gotevbe, Editor-in-Chief
The Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos will on Sunday, January 20, 2019 host dignitaries from both the political and economic circles, diplomats, Representatives from Overseas Chinese Communities in Lagos and the Media, among others. The event will be in two fold, starting with a conversation on The Form on the belt and road initiative and production capacity generation between Nigeria and China and will be followed by the Chinese Lunar New Year Celebration Reception at Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos.
Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is an ambitious programme to connect Asia with Africa and Europe via land and maritime networks along six corridors with the aim of improving regional integration, increasing trade and stimulating economic growth.
“Belt and Road” is a massive trade and infrastructure project that aims to link China — physically and financially — to dozens of economies across Asia, Europe, Africa, and Oceania.
In terms of international relations, from 2013 to 2018, more than 30 diplomatic relations between China and other countries that along the Belt and Road have improved markedly，which include Nigeria, Tajikistan, Hungary, Israel, Ethiopia, Madagascar and other.
On the economic front, trade and investment between China and the countries along the Belt and Road have been increasing. Relevant data show that the economic growth rate of countries along the route is faster than the overall economic growth rate of China.
In terms of infrastructure construction, China and the countries along the Belt and Road have carried out effective cooperation in ports, railways, highways, power stations, aviation and telecommunications. Improve the infrastructure of countries along the Belt and Road.
On January 12, 2019, Nigeria’s first standard gauge railway, which has been successfully operated for 900 days, has never had any major accidents since its inception. With the successful completion of the railway construction by China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC), the Abuja Kaduna train service began commercial operation on July 27, 2016. The Abuja-Kaduna Railway Line is one of the first standard railroad railway modernization projects (SGRMP) in Nigeria. This is the first part of the Lagos-Kano standard metrics project, which will connect the business centres of Nigeria with the economic activity centres of the northwestern part of the country.
The Chinese Consulate General will also celebrate the upcoming Chinese Lunar New Year, also known as Spring Festival. The Preceding year was the year of the Dog. 2019 is the Year of the Pig.
The Pig is the twelfth of the 12-year cycle of animals which appear in the Chinese zodiac related to the Chinese calendar. In the continuous sexagenary cycle, every twelfth year corresponds to hai, and is commonly called the Year of the Pig .
According to the myths, the Pig was the last to arrive when the Jade Emperor called for the great meeting. Other sources said that Buddha called for a great meeting when he was about to leave the Earth. The Pig came in last.
The Pig is also associated with the Earthly Branch hài, and the hours 9–11 in the night. In terms of yin and yang, the Pig is yin. In Chinese culture, pigs are the symbol of wealth. Their chubby faces and big ears are signs of fortune as well. Pigs have a beautiful personality and are blessed with good fortune in life.
Guests will be treated with Chinese cuisine and music, and it will be an opportunity for high level networking. The event is strictly by invitation.
