The National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Engr. Jani Ibrahim, has called on the governments of Nigeria and China to fast-track the establishment of direct flight operations between both nations.
This development was confirmed in a statement signed by Mrs Madinat Adigun-Oladotun, NACCIMA National Public Relations Officer and made available to 9japarrot.
Speaking on Wednesday during the NACCIMA Business and Investment Forum in Guangzhou, Ibrahim stated that direct air connectivity is the missing link in an otherwise robust economic partnership. He noted that removing the burden of multiple stop-overs would significantly boost trade volumes and ease the movement of business executives.
The forum, which took place on the sidelines of the 139th Canton Fair, attracted key Chinese investors and business executives for strategic engagements and partnership opportunities across various sectors of the economy with the Nigerian delegation.
The China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) Guanghzou collaborated with NACCIMA for the B2B matchmaking engagement, which culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two organisations to sustain the forum as an annual platform to deepen the economic cooperation between Nigeria and China.
According to Engr. Ibrahim, Nigeria and China share a long-standing and steadily evolving relationship rooted in mutual respect, shared economic aspirations, and complimentary strengths.
He said NACCIMA stands ready to work with the Nigerian government and other relevant stakeholders in actualising the direct flight operations.
Speaking further, the NACCIMA President lauded the Chinese government for the zero-tarrif policy on imports from African countries. He said NACCIMA, exporters, and the Nigerian Exports Promotion Council (NEPC) look forward to significantly boosting non-oil exports and deepening trade integration between the two economies with the landmark policy.
The NACCIMA delegation, meanwhile, participated in the 139th Canton Fair, making an impressive representation of the country at such a globally renowned event.
NACCIMA delegates were also hosted for industrial tours of prominent Chinese companies such as the Wanli Tire Corporation Limited, Guangda Shoes Factory, and Guangzhou Autoworld Export Base. This reinforces NACCIMA’s commitment to industrial partnerships, technology transfer and increased investment collaboration between Nigeria and China.