The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai on Tuesday, delivered a lecture titled ‘Nigeria – China Relations and the Orange Economy: Opportunities for Nigeria’ to the participants of the Senior Executive Course (SEC) 48 of the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru, Jos, Plateau State.
In Jos, the Chinese envoy was received in audience by the Governor of Plateau State, Caleb Mutfwang, where he was decorated with the traditional regalia.
On X, Yu wrote: “Today, I had the pleasure of interacting with participants of the Senior Executive Course at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS) @NIPSSKuru, Plateau State.
I talked about China’s governance experience and development achievements, China’s policy towards Africa and initiatives such as zero-tariff treatment, and China-Nigeria cooperation in jointly advancing modernization and the huge potential and broad prospects of such cooperation.
“China will continue to work with Nigeria to deepen strategic alignment, enhance mutually beneficial cooperation and take #ChinaNigeria relations to a new height.”
NIPSS also said the Chinese envoy identified industrialisation and digitisation as key drivers of economic growth, adding that manufacturing still acts as a catalyst for the growth of other sectors of the economy.
Ambassador Yu expressed China’s willingness to work with Nigeria to enhance its manufacturing capacity and accelerate its industrialisation.
“On agriculture, the Ambassador called for more cooperation between the two countries, stating that increased Nigerian exports to China would boost economic growth and strengthen bilateral trade relations. He said the growth of the manufacturing and industry would create jobs for teeming youth population in Nigeria.
On emerging technologies, Ambassador Yu said the digital economy is transforming the global economic landscape and stressed the need for developing countries to have access to advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, to achieve their development aspirations.
“The Chinese envoy said the orange economy is a new growth engine and admitted Nigeria’s comparative advantage in the creative sector, especially in film, music and entertainment.
“Stakeholders were urged to harness digital platforms to showcase Nigerian culture and stories to the world and explore avenues for collaboration between Nigeria and China in the creative and cultural industries.
He also stressed the need for increased investment in education, renewable energy and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), saying reliable electricity was the lifeblood of industrialisation and sustainable economic development.
“He argues that SMEs continue to be key drivers of innovation, employment and economic growth and that economic stability, rapid growth and the protection of intellectual property rights are key to attracting investment and promoting innovation.
Ambassador Yu said Nigeria-China cooperation was based on the principles of mutual respect, mutual benefit and shared development. He added that there were great opportunities for deeper economic and strategic cooperation between the two countries on the bilateral relations.
“The lecture ended with an interactive session during which participants engaged the Ambassador on issues relating to technology transfer, industrialisation, youth employment, economic cooperation and opportunities within the orange economy which offered SEC 48 participants valuable insights into China’s development experience,” the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies also said.
