China to Assist Nigerian Economic Diversification with Science Technology

China to Assist Nigerian Economic Diversification  with Science Technology

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Xiaojie Gu, today in Abuja pledged his country’s assistance to help diversify Nigeria’s economy, using science and technology.

Gu who spoke at the sideline after a courtesy call to the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onu, said the minister’s recent visit to China would help pave the way for China's involvement in science, technology and innovation to drive Nigeria's economy.

He said the collaboration has become more expedient against the background that Nigeria is diversifying its economy, adding that China is looking at investment in agriculture, mining and infrastructure.

He admitted that there are promising prospects for both countries to diversify its cooperation and collaboration in many fields.

He said: "Today, I have had a very good discussion with Onu, and we have discussed more on bilateral relationship on science and technology, and of course within the framework of foreign affairs ministry to develop the economy.

"We are waiting to receive President Muhamadu Buhari’s visit to China in April, and that will be the very first visit of the president since this administration was sworn in last year. The visit will go a long way in further cementing the relations between Nigeria and China.

"Our bilateral relations have become strategic, and this will further expand our mutual beneficial relationship for the two countries to look for new areas of cooperation against the background that this year, China and Nigeria will be celebrating 45th anniversary of formal diplomatic relations."

The ambassador admitted that trade volumes between both countries is also on the increase, adding that: "On trade volume last year, it was $15 billion, and Nigeria remains the third biggest trade partner of China."

In an earlier remark, Onu promised that Nigeria would work with China based on the outcomes of his last visit to China, where agreement was reached with China’s Ministry of Science and Technology to assist Nigeria diversify her economy.