By Adedapo Adesanya
President Bola Tinubu has commended the flourishing economic partnership, which will allow Chinese factories to open in Nigeria and allow China to develop the country’s mineral and energy resources.
The Nigerian leader was speaking during the opening ceremony of the 2024 summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation taking place in Beijing, China.
President Tinubu said despite global challenges, the partnership has remained firm and showed further trade between Africa and the Asian nation with trade estimated to reach $280 billion.
He also emphasized the importance of maintaining the momentum to deepen the partnership for the mutual benefit of both regions.
“A landmark of our relationship came in the year 2000 with the establishment of the FOCAC. This platform has been pivotal in strengthening our economic ties and reaffirming our commitment to mutual progress,” Tinubu said.
“Despite the global challenges we faced, whether the economy or geographical, our partnership has stood firm, resolute and offering a powerful example of what can be achieved through respect for sovereignty and no interference.
“One of the highlights of this collaboration has been the flourishing economic partnership between Africa and China has grown exponentially reaching an estimated 280 billion US dollars.
“These impressive figures speak volumes about the strength of our economic relationship and expanding the integration of our market.”
Leaders and their entourages from across Africa have flown into Beijing since Saturday, keeping President Xi Jinping busy with bilateral meetings all week.
China hopes to build itself up as a natural leader and economic partner of Global South countries as an alternative to the US and its allies.
Mr Xi pledged over $50 billion in financing for Africa over the next three years, promising to deepen cooperation in infrastructure and trade with the continent as he addressed Beijing’s biggest summit since the pandemic.
More than 50 African leaders and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres are attending this week’s China-Africa forum, according to state media.
Modupe Gbadeyanka