LAGOS – The Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance) and the Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce, have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to advance economic collaboration and enhance bilateral trade and investment between Nigeria and China.
A statement by Mr. Tayo Ajakaye, the Assistant General Manager, Corporate Communications, NAHCO, said that the strategic initiative aimed to establish the China-Nigeria (Suzhou) Logistics Park, which would facilitate seamless trade, improve logistics infrastructure and increase investment opportunities.
The statement hinted that the collaboration was also a direct response to the landmark joint statement signed by Nigerian President, Ahmed Bola Tinubu and hic Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, during the recent China-Africa Forum for Cooperation (CAFCO).
The statement emphasised that the two leaders had agreed to elevate the China-Nigeria relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, working towards the creation of a high-level China-Nigeria community with a shared future.
According to the statement, the China-Nigeria (Suzhou) Logistics Park would serve as a key enabler for facilitating seamless trade, improving logistics infrastructure and increasing investment opportunities.
As a hub for China’s agricultural modernisation, consumer goods, electronic appliances, cloud computing, and transportation, Suzhou is ideally positioned to anchor this initiative, promoting robust economic exchanges between China and Nigeria, Ajakaye said.
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The statement added that the MoU between the two underscored the growing importance of big organisations in Nigeria, like NAHCO, in fostering trade partnerships with China, with the objective of driving high-level cooperation and enhancing strategic ties between the two countries.
Commenting on the initiative, Dr. Seinde Fadeni, the Chairman of NAHCO Plc, expressed his delight about the partnership.
He said that this agreement “represents a pivotal moment for NAHCO and indeed for Nigeria. By joining forces with the Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce, we are opening new avenues for knowledge exchange, technology transfer, and economic growth.”
Also commenting Mr. Lin Xie, President of the Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce, said the company was happy to have put pen to paper with NAHCO on the project.
“We are delighted to enter into this cooperation with NAHCO. This partnership aligns with China’s commitment to fostering mutually beneficial relationships with African nations,” he said.
The statement hinted that industry observers anticipated that this partnership could serve as a model for future collaborations between Chinese and African entities, potentially reshaping the landscape of international trade and economic cooperation.
