Bilateral relations between Nigeria and China will receive a boost next
week with the signing of at least four major agreements between the two
countries when President Goodluck Jonathan leads a high-powered team
of governors, members of the National Assembly and key ministers on a
five-day state visit to China. The visit begins on Tuesday.
The agreements, which will be signed after high-level talks between the
Nigerian delegation and President Xi Jinping, Premier Li Keqiang and
other senior Chinese government officials include a pact on defence
cooperation between the two countries.
Others are: an Agreement on Economic and Technical Cooperation; an
Agreement on Finance for the Zungeru Power Plant and Airport Terminals;
and an Agreement on Mutual Visa Exemption for Holders of Diplomatic and
Official Passports.
Also to be tabled for discussion during talks between Nigeria and China
during Jonathan’s trip to Beijing, according to a statement Thursday by
presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, will be an agreement for the
Central Bank of Nigeria to invest in China’s Inter-Bank Bond Market
through the Peoples’ Bank of China; and an agreement for the prevention
of the theft, illicit import and export of cultural property.
The successful conclusion of these agreements and other memoranda of
understanding for increased bilateral cooperation in areas including the
development of public infrastructure, oil and gas, power supply,
agriculture, communications and tourism is expected to consolidate the
already cordial relations between Nigeria and China.
Jonathan will also seek additional Chinese investment in the Mambila
Hydro Electric Project, rail modernisation, road construction and
agricultural development.
In furtherance of his efforts to attract greater direct Chinese
investment to the Nigerian economy, Jonathan will on July 11,
participate in a special session of the Nigeria/China Investment Forum,
which will be attended by leading Chinese investors and their Nigerian
counterparts.
He will also hold separate meetings with the chairmen and chief
executive officers of leading Chinese conglomerates such as Huawei,
SINOPEC and ZTE with the same objective in mind.
The president will be accompanied to China by Governor Theodore Orji of
Abia State, Governor Isa Yuguda of Bauchi State, Governor Ibrahim
Dankwambo of Gombe State and Governor Peter Obi of Anambra State.
His entourage will also include Coordinating Minister for the Economy
and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala; Minister of
Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga; Minister of
Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke; Minister of Works,
Mr. Mike Onolememen and Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi
Adesina.
Others are Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Olugbenga Ashiru;
Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Mohammed
Adoke and Minister of State for Defence, Mrs. Olusola Obada.
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