No fewer than 217 Chinese-owned companies have expressed interest in investing in Nigeria.

The Executive Vice-Chairman/CEO of Merited Negotiation Consulting, Consultant to Committee on Nigeria-China Relations, Hon. Kunle Yusuff, disclosed this in Abuja during the unveiling of Nigeria-China Bilateral Business, Trade and Investment Summit 2025.

He explained that hat the Summit will provide a platform to identify the sectors where Chinese companies operate, spanning agriculture, mining, solid minerals, renewable energy, oil and gas, construction, and more.

According to him, the primary objective is to establish a feedback mechanism that will allow the government to understand the challenges Chinese companies face and propose solutions with a view to improve the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

He said: ?In addition to addressing challenges, the summit will also promote international strategic collaboration, enabling both Nigerian and Chinese businesses to access global partnerships and foreign direct investment opportunities.

?Key agenda points include strengthening institutional linkages, facilitating direct investment, and promoting collaboration with state governments and the private sector. The summit aims to transition the Nigeria-China business relationship from a trade-focused partnership to a development-driven one.

?Chinese companies in Nigeria will have the opportunity to collaborate with state governments through partnerships established between the Chinese embassy and the Director-General of the China Chamber of Commerce.

?Additionally, the summit is expected to result in a report that will highlight business challenges and proposed legislative solutions to improve the business environment for Chinese companies in Nigeria.

?The committee organizing the summit is working closely with key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC), to ensure its success.

?The technical working group, which was inaugurated recently, continues to develop a mechanism that will drive the process forward, with a focus on creating an environment conducive to increased investment and business collaboration.

?With the participation of 217 Chinese companies interested in investing in Nigeria, the summit will serve as a key platform for fostering partnerships and ensuring mutual business growth between Nigeria and China.?

He explained that Merited Negotiation Consulting. Consultant to Committee on Nigeria-China Relations is a Nigerian firm with a global network of partnerships.

It specializes In business negotiation, strategic development, trade, and investments, global partnership, international diplomacy and grant/intervention moderators.

?Notably, we?ve successfully hosted three major global events during the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) in 2023 and 2024, bringing together Nigerian business leaders and international investors. We were also appointed by CEO Summit, Liberty University, Virginia USA 2024, to coordinate African CEOs have access to global partnership network support system.?

On his part, Chairman, House of Representatives? Committee on Nigeria-China Parliamentary Relation, Hon. Yakubu said the Nigeria-China Relations Committee was established to acknowledge the ?growing influence in the global economy and its significant impact on Nigerian economic development.

?Through our service delivery, we identify ease of doing business partnership between Nigeria and China.

?To address this challenge, the Committee has engaged Merited Negotiation Consulting Firm as a Consultant, to organize summits in Lagos and China, and submit a robust report to the National Assembly.

?This event aims to, one, present credible investment opportunities, showcase market-ready projects for investors? engagement, foster collaboration, strengthen business environment through partnership, promote product-facilitated connection between investors and financial institutions.

?Other focuses include agriculture, mining and solid minerals, power and renewable energy, oil and gas industry, construction and civil work, and manufacturing.?

In his remarks, Nigeria?s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar called on Nigeria to modernize its business landscape by removing obstacles to investment and fostering innovation.

Represented by the Director of Economy, Trade, and Investment at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bolaji Akinremi, the Minister highlighted the need for Nigeria to prepare for growth by removing barriers that hinder investment, innovation, and sustainable development.

He said: ?We must shift from outdated models to forward-thinking, technology-driven business ecosystems,? he said, reiterating the urgency of creating a business-friendly environment for both local and international investors.

Ambassador Akinremi further highlighted the critical role the Nigeria-China Relations Committee has played in solidifying ties between the two countries.

He stated that: ?a new chapter in Nigeria-China relations is now. We must work together to unlock Nigeria?s full potential, with a clear focus on the ease of doing business.?

Representing the Chinese Embassy, Economic and Trade Commercial Counselor, Mr. Wang Ying-Ki reiterated the importance of Nigeria as China?s largest trade, investment, and infrastructure partner in Africa.

He praised the recent state visit of President Bola Tinubu to China, where both leaders discussed strengthening their nations? economic ties.

?The agreement they reached mobilized the business community and set a guideline for enhancing our cooperation,? Wang noted, highlighting China?s commitment to infrastructure development and investment in Nigeria.

Citing the successes of the Ogun Free Trade Zone and Nike Free Trade Zone, Wang affirmed China?s continued investment in Nigeria.

?The infrastructure we?ve built laid a solid foundation for Nigeria to improve its investment environment. It is my honour to cooperate with you all, and my office is at your service,? he said, inviting more Chinese businesses to invest in Nigeria.? (Saturday Tribune)

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