Indication has emerged that Chinese investors were scrambling to explore business opportunities in Nigeria. Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Zhou Pingjian, disclosed this at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, when he met with President Muhammadu Buhari. Presenting his Letter of Credence, Pingjian told Buhari that he had been inundated with so many requests by investors from his country who had been “falling over one another” to explore business opportunities in Nigeria.
The envoy said the investors had been attracted by the “remarkable and audacious” change process that the Buhari administration implemented in safeguarding security, fighting corruption and restoring integrity and sanctity in all public sector transactions. The president had assured that his government would provide counterpart funding to fast track the completion of all Chinese infrastructure projects in the country. Buhari explained that the idea was to close the infrastructure gap, which Nigeria continues to face.
He commended the readiness of the Chinese public and private sectors to invest in Nigeria, especially in areas that directly improve the livelihood of Nigerians. He said: “We really appreciate the efforts of the Chinese government and its people in supporting Nigeria’s development by always seeking to improve our bilateral relations. “We are also happy that China is working with Nigeria as partners in progress.
We will work hard to always meet the counterpart funding for all the agreements reached during my visit to China in April, as we look forward to stronger ties.” The president also noted that the relationship between Nigerian and China had, over the years, bolstered the country’s economy through technology and skills transfer in areas like rail, road and energy constructions. He said Nigeria was ready to receive prospective investors from China who had signified interest in the country.
Buhari also received Letters of Credence from the Ambassador of the Republic of Austria, Mr. Warner Senfter; Ambassador of the State of Israel, Mr. Guy Feldman and Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway, Mr. Jens-Petter Kjemprud.
– New Telegraph
