China pledges increased economic cooperation with Nigeria

By Ibrahim Garba Shuaibu

KANO, Nigeria (AA) - China’s president has pledged to increase economic cooperation with Nigeria, saying the country is important to Africa and the world.

Xi Jinping spoke on Wednesday through his Special Envoy Peng Qinghua, who is also vice chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress.

Peng met Nigerian President Bola Tinubu at the State House in the capital Abuja.

According to a press statement from the Nigerian president’s media team, the two countries enjoy good bilateral relations and economic cooperation and Chinese companies were doing well in Nigeria in railways, roads, hydropower and free trade zones.

While commending President Tinubu's plan to lead Nigeria to a new era of economic development and prosperity, the Chinese envoy, however, said there were areas where Nigeria could benefit from China.

He called on the two countries to share ideas and align strategies, urging President Tinubu to also create a more conducive environment for investment.

In response, President Tinubu said Nigeria is open for business and constructive partnerships.

He promised that his administration would work to promote ease of doing business.

"We need accelerated growth, and we are ready to do business honestly with those ready to do business with us,” he said.

"We will continue to work to promote democracy in the West African sub-region. I'm a product of democracy and shall work day and night to advance democracy,” the president said. "We will fight terrorism and all forms of criminality.

“We can learn from each other, but we will remain non-aligned."

The Chinese delegation included Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun and Minister-Counselor Zhang Yi.