The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Yu Dunhai said his country is working with Nigeria to improve the current volume of trade between both countries.
Currently, he said the trade volume is in the region of over $20 billion.
The envoy spoke on Saturday during the Chinese New Year Celebration, with the theme “year of the Golden Snake”
Lunar New Year will be celebrated on Wednesday, Jan. 29. The occasion is based on the lunar calendar and takes place all around the world but it’s primarily celebrated by Asian countries. This year, it will mark the beginning of the year of the snake.
Speaking on China-Nigeria bilateral relations the envoy said: “The trade volume exceeds $20 billion last year. And I think Nigeria is the largest engineering contract and the second largest exporting market and the third largest trade partner for China in Africa.
“And of course, we would like to work with Nigeria to bring our trade volume to even higher because we see there is a big potential.
“Nigeria is a major African country that has world influence and particularly Nigeria is now also a partner country of BRICS.
“So last year we held the forum for China-Africa cooperation and we look forward to working together with Nigeria to implement the ten action partnerships and to benefit people in Nigeria and China.”
Speaking on the significance of this year Chinese New Year Celebration, Yu said “we believe that it represents hard work, intelligence, happiness. So we hope that the year of the snake will bring peace and prosperity for Chinese and Nigerian people.
He also added, “Well, you know, the year 2025 is going to be a big year for China and Nigeria.
It’s because last year, President Bola Tinubu paid a state visit to China and the two presidents agreed to elevate our bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership. And one of the pillars for this relationship is the very close people to people and the cultural exchange. So for the Chinese embassy, each year we organize this spring festival temple fair.
“And this year we invited over 2,000, both Nigerians and the Chinese to enjoy, to celebrate together with us. Because the start of the Chinese New Year is usually is a time for celebration, a time for reflection and also a time for reunification.
“And we look forward to working with people from all walks of life in Nigeria to materialize the very important consensus we reached between our two heads of states and bring our two countries’ cooperation to a new level.”
On his part, Mr. Raphael Obi, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Minister of Arts, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy urged the Chinese to invest in the country’s Creative industry, noting that there is so much to be tapped from Nigeria’s rich culture.
He said: “he relationship between Nigeria and China is steeped in history, marked by mutual respect and shared aspirations. Just as the snake sheds its skin to embrace new beginnings, our bilateral ties continue to evolve, reflecting our commitment to wisdom and transformation. This year, as we celebrate the Lunar New Year, we are reminded of the importance of nurturing our cultural connections, which serve as a bridge between our peoples.
“Both Nigeria and China boast rich and diverse cultures, with deep historical roots that resonate through our contemporary contexts. From the vibrant festivals of Nigeria to the colourful traditions of China, we find common ground in our values of family, community and respect for our elders. Our culinary delights, artistic expressions and traditional practices showcase the beauty of our cultures, fostering a spirit of understanding and appreciation.
“Moreover, the goodwill that China has extended towards Nigeria in various sectors, particularly in culture and tourism, has been instrumental in enhancing our bilateral relationship. The collaborative efforts in cultural exchanges, art exhibitions, and tourism initiatives have not only enriched our societies but have also created avenues for economic growth and development.
“Your Excellency, Ladies and Gentlemen, as we celebrate this new year, I would like to reaffirm our commitment to promoting and strengthening the bilateral cultural ties between Nigeria and China. The Federal Ministry of Art, Culture, Tourism and Creative Economy is dedicated to implementing policies and programmes that foster cultural exchange, support artistic collaborations and enhance Tourism opportunities. We envision a future where our cultural interactions flourish, creating a network of shared experiences that benefit both nations.”
