Nigeria, China move to boost trade relations
From Azimazi Momoh Jimoh, Abuja
A MAJOR boost in Nigeria's trade relations with the People's Republic of China was recorded at the weekend as both countries engaged in serious business discussions.
The leadership of Nigeria's National Assembly and China's Vice President and Head of Parliament, Mr. Wu Bangguo, who had been in the country since Saturday, engaged in series of talks and exchanged ideas on how business relationship could be improved to benefit the two countries.
Senate President Adolphus Wabara, who led Nigeria's team to the discussion at the National Assembly yesterday, announced that with the return of democracy since 1999, Nigeria's business and investment environment had become very safe and secure as a result of President Olusegun Obasanjo's efforts in that direction.
Wabara told the visiting Chinese leader to assist in securing a legislative backing of China for the business co-operation of both countries.
Earlier in his remarks, Bangguo expressed delight about improvement in trade relations between Nigeria and China, especially in business circles.
According to him, bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and China hit a volume of $1.85 billion in 2003.
He described Nigeria as a very important trading partner that could not be ignored.
The Chinese leader said his visit to Nigeria was partly to seek ways of improving on past records.
Bangguo reviewed the history of China-Nigeria diplomatic ties submitting that: "Since the establishment of diplomatic relations 33 years ago, the China-Nigeria relationship has been growing smoothly. Our two peoples have accorded each other understanding and support in safeguarding sovereignty and pursuing nation-building, thus fostering a profound traditional friendship between us.
"In recent years, our two countries have continuously strengthened political, mutual trust, enjoyed good momentum of economic co-operation and trade, and witnessed swift progress in their exchanges and co-operation in other fields."
Bangguo extolled the leadership role played by Nigeria in Africa in recent years.
His words: "In recent years under the leadership of President Obasanjo, Nigeria has been actively facilitating national reconciliation, making efforts to maintain social stability, vigorously promoting social and economic reforms and has made great progress in all undertaking, pursuing a foreign policy of peace and friendship."`
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