By SARAFINA CHRISTOPHER

Mr Li Xuda, Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria has emphasised the importance of learning Chinese language to enhance job prospects and business opportunities within Nigeria and globally.

Li said this on Saturday at the sideline of the Chinese Bridge language proficiency competition for foreign college students, hosted by the Chinese Embassy, in Abuja.

According to Li, there is an increasing demand for individuals proficient in Chinese language and culture across various sectors, ranging from business and finance to government and academia.

He also added that the growing economic ties between China and Nigeria have increased demand for individuals with proficiency in the Chinese language.

China is Nigerias largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching over 20 billion dollars in recent years.

Learning Chinese will not only open up job opportunities in Chinese-owned companies operating in Nigeria, but also provide a competitive edge in the global job market, Li said.

He encouraged Nigerians to take advantage of the various Chinese language programmes and resources available in the country, including Confucius Institutes and language schools.

On his part, Zhao Hongling, the Dean of the Confucius Institute at the University of Lagos, emphasised that the competition served as a bridge connecting China to the world.

Zhao added that with the increasing presence of Chinese companies in Nigeria, being able to communicate in Mandarin could significantly boost ones career prospect.

Also, Yu Zhangbao, the Chinese Director of the Confucius Institute at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka expressed his appreciation to the organisers for the competition, which had greatly inspired more young people to learn Chinese and understand its culture.

NAN reports that the Chinese Bridge competition, which commenced 23 years ago, has fostered interactions among Chinese language learners worldwide, aiming to deepen understanding of China and its diverse culture.

NAN also reports that the winner of the First prize will be sponsored to China, to partake in the global competition and will also have the opportunity to select from the top 10 Universities in China for further studies. (NAN)