China’s high-standard opening-up already working in full force in Nigeria

The author, Ms. Yan, second from left (standing) with Chinese Ambassador, Cui Jianchun, next to her right, Governor Sanwo-Olu of Lagos and another watch as CCECC and LAMATA sign agreement for the construction of the planned Lagos Metro Grey Line

The current spring in China is vibrant and bright, with the Two Sessions of the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) convening grandly in Beijing.

This year’s Report on the Work of the Government has sent a significant signal of expanding high-standardopening-up. Another phase of China’s high-quality development and global opportunities is about to emerge once again.

One of the crucial reasons for China’s economic takeoff is the implementation of the opening-uppolicy. In the future, as China pursues high-quality development, it will require continuous advancement in opening up at a higher standard.We will consistently remove obstacles to development, allowing China’s enormous market to be shared by the world, and ensuring that China’s development benefits the global community.

When delivering the Report on the Work of the Governmentat the 2024 Two Sessions, Premier Li Qiang outlined China’s plan and sent an important message that China will pursue higher-standard opening up and promote mutual benefits.

First, we will do more to attract foreign investment and further shorten the negative list for foreign investment. All market access restrictions on foreign investment in manufacturing will be abolished, and market access restrictions in service sectors, such as telecommunications and healthcare, will be reduced. We will strengthen services for foreign investors and make China a favored destination for foreign investment. We will make it easier for foreign nationals to work, study, and travel in China.

Second, we will strive for solid progress in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. The Chinese governmentwill carry out the eight major measures for supporting high-quality Belt and Road cooperation. It will alsosteadily advance cooperation on major projects and implement several “small yet smart” projects for improving people’s well-being.

China’s legislative 2024 Two Sessions sitting in Beijing Great Hall of the People

The need topromote cooperation in fields such as digital development, green development, innovation, health, culture, tourism, and poverty reductionwill receive premium attention.

The compelling need to deepen bilateral, multilateral, and regional economic cooperation, promote the implementation of free trade agreements that have entered into force, negotiate and sign high-standard free trade agreements and investment agreements with more countries and regions, comprehensively and sincerelyparticipate in WTO reform, foster an open world economy and deliver more benefits generated from win-win cooperation to people of all countriesremain top on the priority list.

With the support of these favorable policies, the door of China’s Openness will continue to widen to people from all over the world, including Nigerians. Through the joint efforts of the Chinese and Nigerian people and governments, as long as we uphold a more open and inclusive attitude, we will undoubtedly be able to share the abundant gainsof globalization development and contribute to the recovery of the world economy.

In February this year, the transformative Lagos Rail Mass Transit (LRMT) Red Line project, undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), was successfully inaugurated. As one of the first passengers to ride on the brand-new train, alongside President Bola Tinubu, Governor of Lagos Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Cui Jianchun, I was deeply moved.

At that moment, I couldn’t help but reflect that this is the kind of transportation infrastructure that a city with a population of over 20 million deserves. It is also a significant practical achievement of China’s Belt and Road Initiative.

Similarly impressive achievements abound. In January this year, the Lekki Deep Sea Port welcomed the largest container vessel ever to berth in Nigeria, propelling Nigeria into an important participant in the global shipping industry. InMarch, the Lagos-Ibadan Railway recorded safeoperationfor over 1000 days. The efficient operation of the Lagos-Ibadan Railway not only facilitates people’s travel and improves the transportation efficiency of ports and inland goods but also accelerates the modernization of Nigeria’s industry and agriculture.

Consul General, Yan in celebration outfit during China’s last Spring Festival she hosted in Lagos

Within the Lekki and the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zones, hundreds of Chinese enterprises manufacture a chain ofproducts labeled“Made in Nigeria” meeting market demands. Thousands of local workers are actively engaged in their daily work, not only improving their living standards but also ensuring the effective operation of the social economy. These endeavors collectively contribute to the advancement and prosperity of Nigeria.

As the saying goes, “The more the merrier.”We are willing to share the fruits of development with Nigeria, as long as both governments and peoples continue to enhance mutual trust and maintain openness and inclusiveness towards each other. With these foundations, bilateral relations can surely forge ahead steadily and reach new heights. As we consistently open wider at a high standard, more opportunities for cooperation and development will inevitably arise.

At the same time, we sincerely hope that Nigeria can embrace friends from China and around the world with open arms. They are the builders of Nigeria’s civil infrastructure, the promoters of industrial upgrading, and the contributors to increased government revenue and employment. Let us move towards each other to make Nigeria safer, friendlier, more modern, and better. Let the flowers of friendship between China and Nigeria bloom brightly,flourishing the garden of world civilizations.

By YAN YUQING, Consul General of the People's Republic of China in Lagos

Source : https://africachinapresscentre.org/