IKENNA EMEWU
The China Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) with its target on Chinese engineering technology products has come and gone.
No doubt, it has many strong points and successes.
But the echoes of the outcomes still linger, and mostly successful and beneficial ones to the economic relationship of Nigeria and China.
At the sidelines, ACE Magazine interviewed some of the leaders, organisers, and exhibitor companies, some of who were new to the Nigerian market.
While those of them who had not been here expressed optimism about the possibilities of good businesses in Nigeria, those that are already on the ground pledged more commitment to deepen the market for a mutual good.
These assurances were palpable in the words of the experts as captured in our sideline interviews with them as captured here.
In addition to infrastructure successes, we target to blaze a trail in Nigeria’s solar power sector – CCECC MD
Mr. Guan Shuai, the Managing Director of China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) Nigeria Limited addressed the expo and assured that it targets another sector of the Nigerian economy.
During his speech, CCECC, the giant company and number one in infrastructure contracting in Nigeria said it would extend its stamp of efficacy into the solar power sector.
He said:
First, I would like to thank all the partners for attending the forum. As we can see today both the most important ministries on infrastructure which are the Ministry of Transportation and MIW are ALL here. It is great that a delegation from the China Development Bank is also attending.
These all show the emphasis on infrastructure cooperation between the two countries. I believe that their attendance will bring more confidence to the development of Nigeria. As a company established in Nigeria for more than 43 years, I think I don’t need to make so much description about the company because it is well known. CCECC is well known not just because we have completed almost 250 projects across the country.
It is also not because we employ over 20,000 local staff, it is because guided by China’s “Going Global” strategy and the Belt and Road Initiative, we operate with the philosophy of “striding together with Nigeria,”. We have successfully delivered many projects such as the Nigeria Railway Modernization (Abuja-Kaduna and Lagos-Ibadan rail lines), Four International Airport Terminals, the Abuja Metro, Lagos Light Rail Transit Systems (Blue and Red Lines), and many more in highways, bridges, water facilities, and free trade zones.
In addition to our core focus on infrastructure, we are expanding into the solar power sector, contributing to the country’s sustainable energy goals by developing clean energy solutions.
Moreover, we are also moving into the power transmission, mining, and agriculture industries, key areas that will enhance local productivity, and support long-term economic growth. As a company committed to its corporate social responsibility, CCECC has sponsored over 190 Nigerian students to get higher education in China.
Another good example is the establishment of the University of Transportation in Daura, Nigeria. This university aims to develop a new generation of professionals in the country and now the University is open to new students. Besides, initiatives like the Kajola Wagon Assembly Plant and our investment in the Lekki Free Trade Zone not only create jobs and enhance local capabilities but also transfer valuable technical expertise to Nigerians, contributing to sustainable development and a brighter future for the country. I believe that all the infrastructure projects have made substantial contributions to strengthening the relationship between Nigeria and China. These projects have not only enhanced Nigeria’s infrastructure facilities but also have indicated that China is the most trusted partner in Nigeria’s development.
We look forward to working together to Deliver a Brighter Future of China-Nigeria Infrastructure.”
Most Chinese companies in Nigeria belong to our consortium
– Fang Qiuchen, Chairman, China international Construction Association
Good morning! It is indeed a great pleasure and privilege for me to deliver a speech on behalf of the China International Contractors Association (CHINCA).
I would like to take this opportunity to extend my warmest greetings and sincere appreciation to all the participants who are presenting here today.
First, I am so delighted to introduce to you some of the leading companies from CHINCA who are here with us today. Please, allow me just to name a few of them: They are, China Communication Construction Company (CCCC), Power China, China Energy, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), China Harbour Engineering, China Road and Bridge, CGCOC Group, Guangxi LiuGong Machinery, and Zoomlion, etc.
Some of them I think you are already very familiar with as they have already been here in Nigeria for decades and are now playing significant roles in developing infrastructure cooperation between China and Nigeria.
Recent years have witnessed quite a large number of infrastructure cooperation projects implemented in Nigeria by CHINCA members and their Nigerian partners, including transportation, power and electricity, petrochemicals, communications and industrial investment parks and so on.
Some of the signature projects include the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Oil Refinery, Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line, Lagos International Airport, and the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, etc. These cooperation projects have contributed greatly to the social and economic development of Nigeria and greatly strengthened our bilateral relations.
As the new round of scientific and technological revolution and digital transformation is on the way, green development and the digital economy have emerged as new engines driving economic growth, presenting vast opportunities for cooperation in green and sustainable infrastructure.
Both China and Nigeria are actively exploring the use of advanced technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, and Al, to enhance the intelligence and automation of infrastructure.
Integrating digital technology with new infrastructure, the blue economy, and agricultural modernization has emerged as a focal point for cooperation.
Furthermore, renewable energy projects, including solar and wind, are gaining increased attention worldwide, further advancing the development and utilization of clean energy.
These emerging characteristics and trends not only facilitate the transformation and upgrading of infrastructure cooperation between China and Nigeria but also inject new impetus for mutual benefit and shared development.
Ladies and Gentlemen, the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation convened two months ago has opened a new chapter for China-Africa friendship and pragmatic cooperation.
In order to actively implement the deliverables of the Beijing Summit and effectively accelerate the infrastructure cooperation between China and Africa, we planned to hold the China Engineering and Technology Expo and the China-Nigeria Infrastructure Cooperation Forum here in Abuja this year, at the same time, to further strengthen the mutual understanding and trust between the engineering companies of the two sides while exploring new areas and potential opportunities for further cooperation.
We believe that through the elevation of the bilateral relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership, and through our joint efforts, the bilateral infrastructure cooperation will for sure yield more fruitful results in the days to come.
Finally, I would like to take this opportunity once again to express my sincere gratitude to the Chinese Embassy in Abuja, and special thanks also go to the Federal Ministry of Works and the relevant authorities of Nigeria for your strong support.
Last but not least, I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Department of Commerce of Hunan Province for the kind cooperation. I wish the forum and Expo a complete success.
We target to start business in Nigeria -General Manager, Hunchi Industry Group, Yun Dang
This exhibition Expo will promote China-Africa economic and trade relations and gains, and further increase our achievements through steady business partnerships.
Our company, Hunchi Industry Group is a company in Hunan Province in China. Its main business is mainly in agriculture and circulation. It has subsidiary companies. We are very hopeful to have business ties with Africa.
For the moment, we do not have an office or business outlet in Nigeria. But in the future, we hope to have one.
Our major business is agriculture machinery production because we have a lot of machinery in China. We can use what we have to improve Nigeria’s agricultural sector. At the same time, our group is the biggest in Central China. We hope to export Nigeria’s agricultural products to China.
In the future, we will invest more in agriculture processing. It is the first time we are holding this Expo in Nigeria. We look forward to hosting more events to boost agriculture.
Chinese companies have made infrastructure mileage in Nigeria -Chairman International Contractors Association, Fang Qiuchen
Every year, we organise this same technology expo, but in different countries. This year, we selected Nigeria. I have had very good contact with the Nigeria-Chinese companies because they are all my members. For many years, we have been working together with our partners in Nigeria for the construction of some of the infrastructure projects in Nigeria.
Some of the projects are the Lekki Industrial Park, and the Lagos-Ibadan Railway, as well as the Lagos Airport.
Actually, the Chinese companies have been here in Nigeria for more than four decades. The first time I was posted to Nigeria was in 1991, and I met these companies here. We want to continue to work on infrastructure especially the new energy project, as well as the digital smart city. We will bring our technology.
We want to collaborate with Nigerian partners to do some of the work, and economic and social benefits of both countries, like the Belt and Road countries.
We have the Deputy Governor of China Development Bank which is China’s consortium of all the banks. We want to work together to finance more of the projects here in Nigeria so that we can have economic benefits.
As you can see, the investments are huge, because most of them are infrastructure. They take years to develop. That is the reason we want to work together. We want to be good partners. For the time being, we are still discussing how we would handle and execute, more projects. We should be optimistic about that.
China has developed over the years. We have a lot of practical technology, especially in infrastructure. We built everything like speed railways, housing, industries, and ICT in many fields. We think we are very competitive and we are very advanced, technologically. We want to work with our Nigerian friends for better growth.
Turning Nigeria’s vehicles to non-fossil fuel energy is our target –
Deputy Dean, School of Economics and Trade, Hunan University, Xiao Hao
I will be publishing two books titled: Green Development Index, and China-Africa Green Exchange Cooperation.
In September, we had the FOCAC Summit in China. A particular question came up on how we can strengthen the cooperation between Nigeria and China.
So, when comparing Nigeria and Brazil where we also do business, you need to understand that the population is not the same. The population of Nigeria is more than that of Brazil and we are looking at the economic prospects.
Basically, the economic factors in Brazil should not be compared with that of Nigeria. But there is hope for Nigeria with the cooperation of China on renewable energy. There is the prospect for us to bring in cars that do not use odoriferous fumes that are not good for the environment. We intend to bring in lighting like the ones shown in the auditorium. We have companies that are into that. It all depends on the scope of modernisation. We have hope that we are going to build a strong relationship between Nigeria and China.
We partner with Nigeria for railway transportation safety – Zhang Jingfang, CRSCC
I am a representative of China Railway Signaling and Communication Corporation (CRSCC). It is one of the state-owned enterprises in China. The company is into a railway, rail lines construction, and communication system.
We are partnering with Nigeria for the safety of its railway and transportation system through effective communication. Regarding this expo, I am very happy to be here. It is an opportunity for China and Nigeria to strengthen business cooperation.
CRSCC has achieved a lot of results in Nigeria, Asia, and other continents and countries. We have completed railway line projects in Jakarta, Indonesia. We have projects in China. These projects are embedded in CRCC railway lines which ensure that the maximum transportation system is safe. When you come down to Africa, we also have projects in Kenya’s Mombasa. We also have the Nairobi to Eldoret Railway line. In 2023, President Tinubu voiced out his intentions to modernise Nigeria’s railway lines. We do not have very good ones.
CRCC has been in Nigeria for over 30 years. We have constructed a communication system. The long and short of all these is to strengthen the relationship between Nigeria and China, as well as enhance the safety of Nigeria’s railway system.
