The Nigeria–China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) has taken a significant step toward bolstering economic relations between the two nations by hosting a high-level delegation from Newryton International Industrial Development Co. Ltd. This visit by the Chinese investment and industrial development consortium marks a pivotal moment for advancing bilateral trade, industrial cooperation, and development financing.
Led by David Chen, Assistant Secretary-General of the China Hainan Investment Council, the delegation’s itinerary included engagements with the Nigerian Association of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) prior to their meeting with the NCSP. Joe Onyuike, Vice-Chairman of NACCIMA’s Agriculture and Livestock Trade Group, accompanied the group, signaling strong private sector backing for the initiative.
Discussions at the meeting focused on establishing a Nigeria–China Trade and Investment Platform. This proposed platform aims to include a Promotion Centre in China specifically designed to support Nigerian products, investors, and state governments. The consortium also highlighted the benefits of the Hainan Province Free Trade Port (FTP), urging Nigerian businesses to leverage its preferential policies to expand exports and attract new investments.
Speaking on behalf of Newryton, Mr. Pong outlined the consortium’s intent to collaborate with the NCSP to access financing supported by the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). The primary targets for these strategic investments include agriculture, energy, mining, and solid minerals processing. Aquaculture was identified as a sector with particularly high potential, with the delegation encouraging Nigerian stakeholders to participate in the upcoming Global Aquaculture Conference in Hainan Province. Furthermore, the visitors expressed a readiness to enhance cooperation in vocational training and employment under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Martins Olajide, NCSP’s Head of Internal Operations, welcomed the delegation on behalf of the Director-General. He reaffirmed the organization’s dedication to fostering mutually beneficial partnerships, specifically noting the NCSP’s interest in the proposed trade platform and the development of the Nigerian Oil Palm Industrial Park as a flagship project.
Adding to the discourse, Judy Melifonwu, NCSP’s Head of International Relations, emphasized the strategic advantages offered by China’s zero-tariff policy and the forthcoming protocols on exporting Nigerian aquaculture products. She noted that these frameworks are poised to significantly enhance Nigeria’s competitiveness in global markets.
Both parties concluded the meeting with a shared commitment to advancing discussions toward a structured cooperation framework that addresses all priority areas, setting the stage for a new era of economic synergy between Nigeria and China.
