Nigeria has urged China to invest more in the African continent in the win-win cooperation.
This was stated by the Consul General, Consulate General of Nigeria in Shanghai, Chimezie Okeoma Ogu, at the Jiangsu-Africa Cooperation Conference and China Africa Local Government Cooperation Forum.
Ogu, who noted that Africa appreciates China, said however, that there are gaps that need to be closed by both sides, adding that the need to close this gap calls for both sides to increase their mutual interaction in the area of business investment.
He noted that this year’s theme: ‘Unity and cooperation’, which seeks common development and work together to build a closer China-Africa community with a shared future is very timely and needs attention of both sides.
In his words, “Africa is a reliable friend and partner of China. A continent with over 700 million people is next to India as a major trading partner.
“The Government and the People of China have done very well within the platform of FOCAC. The cooperation between both sides have witnessed tremendous cooperation, building of unity and understanding between both sides.
“Africa as a continent has benefited a lot within the mechanism of FOCAC and lots of goodwill in the area of infrastructure development from the Chinese side. Both sides need to develop a strong bond and also a network of honest and sincere communication in our bilateral engagements both in the public and private sector to achieve our common goals”, he said.
He stressed that honesty and sincerity are an essential ingredient in the growth and progress of friendly countries with shared values, visions and expectations, adding also that China needs to carry Africa as an abiding trusted ally in all its bilateral and multilateral engagements.
According to him, “As much as Africa needs China in its quest for development, China also needs Africa’s support in the area of global politics with the United Nations.
“Very importantly, China needs to unite with Africa and carry her in its multilateral aspirations in world politics. It can only realize this, by assuring Africa of its sincerity to assist the continent by providing the best of modern infrastructure needs and demands of our people”, he said.
He stressed that in this way, a better perception, understanding and knowledge of the true spirit of Chinese fraternity with Africa will be understood in the context of the continental framework of FOCAC.
