President Goodluck Jonathan, on Monday in Abuja applauded the growing bilateral relations between Nigeria and China, which has resulted in a phenomenal increase in trade between both countries.
Speaking at an audience with China’s outgoing ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Deng Boqing, and President Jonathan expressed the hope that mutually-beneficial bilateral relations between Nigeria and China which have increased tremendously in the last three years would be further enhanced in coming years.
The President, who noted that one-third of the volume of trade between Africa and China currently takes place with Nigeria, commended China’s support for the rehabilitation of Nigeria’s transportation infrastructure, as well as the development of the country’s water and power sectors.
He called for greater investment from China in Nigeria’s agricultural sector and other sectors where Chinese expertise can help to develop Nigeria’s potentials.
President Jonathan praised the out-going Ambassador for working very hard to boost trade and economic relations between both countries during his tenure in Nigeria.
Mr. Boqing, who served in Nigeria for three years, said that his most fulfilling assignment was facilitating President Jonathan’s State Visit to China in 2013.
He assured the President that he would continue to work for the expansion of the cordial relations between China and Nigeria wherever he finds himself.