China has presented to the Federal Government a strategy document to help Nigeria fine-tune its development plans in key sectors.
The three volume document was presented Monday to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, George Akume by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun who came with a delegation.
Ambassador Jianchun said the document contained developmental strategy and suggestions for ensuring rapid development of the country. He disclosed that the strategies focuses on Infrastructure, ICT, industrialisation, investment, security, technology and agriculture, among others.
He also expressed his readiness and commitment to work with the present administration and further deepen the bilateral relations between the two nations.
Sen. Akume assured the Government of the People’s Republic of China, of Nigeria’s commitment to sustain bilateral relations to boost development.
Akume said that Nigeria and China have sustained strong bilateral relations especially in areas of infrastructure, trade, agriculture among others even as he solicited Beijing’s further investment in Nigeria to enable the present administration accomplish its Renewed Hope Agenda.
His words: “We want to thank your country for the massive investment in the areas of infrastructure in this country. Nigeria got soft loan from your country and carefully invested in rail transportation and road transportation. The differences are becoming quite clear. And we expect more investments and I believe that is why you are here with your businessmen as well. Any assistance you are giving us, we will step up because of the desire of the present Government to do a lot. We will be expecting support from you from time to time.”
He appreciated the Chinese Government for granting young Nigerians scholarship to study in their country. He also used the opportunity to appeal for more scholarship to enable more Nigerians study in China.
“We appreciate the fact that you have given scholarship to our students studying in various universities in the Peoples Republic of China and some have graduated. We want to appeal that you step up the issue of scholarship and give us more. You won’t regret it, before you know it, you find many Nigerians speaking your language. We look forward to the time we will also establish faculties in Nigerian universities where Chinese language would be taught to students”, said Akume.
He also assured that the cultural cooperation between Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China through cultural exchange would also be sustained to help in cementing the relationship between both countries.
