May 23, 2017
THE Peoples Republic of China has revealed its commitment
to replicate in Nigeria what was done in China that improved its agricultural
sector. This revelation was made in Abuja, during a one-day China-Nigeria
Agricultural Modernisation Cooperation Forum. Revealing
this, the Chinese Economic and Commercial Counsellor,
Mr Zhao Linxiang noted when
the Peoples Republic of China was founded in 1949, over 80 per cent of its
population was starving or in semi-starvation, 68 years down the line, the
country could boost of feeding her populations and also produce food for 20 per
cent of the world’s population.
Linxiang said that “if China can do
it, Nigeria can equally do it.” While assuring that China is in Nigeria to
replicate the uncommon feat their country achieved in the agriculture sector,
also said that his country shall be committed to the agriculture agenda which
President Buhari presented when he visited China in
2016. He also reiterated his country’s resolve to partnering with Nigeria in
the implementation of the Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP), especially in
the area of agricultural development.
“The ERGP, which was recently launched by the
Nigeria government, depicts a blue print for agricultural development in
Nigeria over the next five years. The ERGP put agriculture as the first
priority sector for the economic diversification, setting policy objectives as
increase agriculture GDP from N16.0trillion in 2015 to N21.0 trillion in 2020
at an average annual growth rate of 6.92 percent (2017-2020)”, he said.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhuo Pingjian who supported the
position of Mr Linxiang,
stated China will take advantage of the strategic partnership it has with
Nigeria, to share their experience in agricultural development. He noted that
his country will remain committed to providing both financial and technical
support required for Nigeria to achieve agricultural transformation and food
security.
“We are willing to work with Nigeria side to
provide more effective platform to mobilise more
Chinese investment in Nigeria’s Green Alternative,” he said. The Minister of
Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udoma, acknowledged that China, Nigeria Agricultural Modernisation Cooperation Forum was part of China’s support
to the present administrations effort to re-position the economy, also noted
that Chinese entrepreneurs are willing to make more investments in Nigeria.
The minister who was represented at the event
by a Director in his Minister further explained that the cooperation between
the two countries will address the existing trade imbalance. “We are happy to
note that Chinese enterprises are willing, as promised by the Chinese
Government during the 6th session of the Economic, Trade and Technical
Cooperation Forum in July, 2015 to increase the volume of imports of
competitive products from Nigeria including sesame seed, cocoa, natural rubber,
cashew, cassava products as well as oil and gas. “This is expected to increase
the volume of trade between the two countries which stands at $14.94 billion in
2015 and address the trade imbalance.” Udoma said.
Source:http://tribuneonlineng.com
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