December 5, 2017

The Consul-General of the People’s Republic of
China in Lagos, Mr Chao Xiaoliang on Tuesday said Nigeria currently
has the opportunity to benefit from his government’s Belt and Road
Initiative.

Chao said in a presentation in Lagos that the initiative was created
by President Xi Jinping in 2013, to promote policy coordination,
facilities connectivity, unimpeded trade and People-to-People
relationships.

The title of his presentation was “New Opportunities for China-Nigeria
Cooperation’’.

“In 2013, Chinese president Xi Jinping proposed the Silk Road
Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, otherwise known
as The Belt and Road Initiative.

“The Initiative aims to create the world’s largest platform for
promoting policy coordination, facilities connectivity, unimpeded
trade, financial integration and People-to-People bonds.

“The Belt and Road Initiative offers Nigeria an ideal platform and
framework in conducting cooperation not only with China, but also with
all participating countries.

“Through the platform of the Belt and Road Initiative, Nigeria can
obtain more opportunities to strengthen its infrastructure, diversify
its economy and integrate itself into the global economy,’’ he said.

Chao expressed optimism that Nigeria’s interest in the initiative
would fast-track her ongoing efforts at achieving development.

According to him, more than 100 countries and international
organisations have so far joined this Initiative, while more than 40
have signed cooperation agreements with China.

“China welcomes all countries to participate in the Belt and Road
Initiative. Nigeria is China’s strategic partner.

“This year marks the 46th anniversary of the establishment of
China-Nigeria diplomatic relations.

“The initiative offers Nigeria an ideal platform and framework for
more engagements and cooperation not only with China, but also with
all participating countries,’’ he added.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is the most ambitious geo-economic vision in modern times. Committing to $1 trillion in new infrastructure projects, scores of trade agreements, and countless people-to-people ties, it seems set to crown China’s place on the global stage.

The primary objective of the BRI is its overland routes between China and Europe. New railways aspire to compete with maritime transportation, which has been dominant for centuries.