By Victor Asije
The Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Mr Chao Xiaoliang on Tuesday said Nigeria currently has the opportunity to benefit from his government’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Chao said in a presentation in Lagos that the initiative was created by President Xi Jinping in 2013, to promote policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade and People-to-People relationships.
The title of his presentation was “New Opportunities for China-Nigeria Cooperation’’.
“In 2013, Chinese president Xi Jinping proposed the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, otherwise known as The Belt and Road Initiative.
“The Initiative aims to create the world’s largest platform for promoting policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade, financial integration and People-to-People bonds.
“The Belt and Road Initiative offers Nigeria an ideal platform and framework in conducting cooperation not only with China, but also with all participating countries.
“Through the platform of the Belt and Road Initiative, Nigeria can obtain more opportunities to strengthen its infrastructure, diversify its economy and integrate itself into the global economy,’’ he said.
Chao expressed optimism that Nigeria’s interest in the initiative would fast-track her ongoing efforts at achieving development.
According to him, more than 100 countries and international organisations have so far joined this Initiative, while more than 40 have signed cooperation agreements with China.
“China welcomes all countries to participate in the Belt and Road Initiative. Nigeria is China’s strategic partner.
“This year marks the 46th anniversary of the establishment of China-Nigeria diplomatic relations.
“The initiative offers Nigeria an ideal platform and framework for more engagements and cooperation not only with China, but also with all participating countries,’’ he added.
China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the most ambitious geo-economic vision in modern times. Committing to $1 trillion in new infrastructure projects, scores of trade agreements, and countless people-to-people ties, it seems set to crown China’s place on the global stage.
The primary objective of the BRI is its overland routes between China and Europe. New railways aspire to compete with maritime transportation, which has been dominant for centuries.
