By Suleiman Mustapha and Tom Zaneni
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will embark on a state visit to the People’s Republic of China early September to boost economic ties between the two countries.
This was disclosed by the president special adviser on media and publicity , Ajuri Ngelale.
Briefing journalists at the State House, Abuja, Ngelale, said the president’s itinerary includes site visits to prominent Chinese corporations, including Huawei Technologies and China Rail and Construction Corporation (CRCC), to fast-track the completion of the Ibadan to Abuja segment of the Lagos to Kano high-speed rail line.
According to Ngelale, President Tinubu will also engage in strategic meetings with 10 chief executives of major Chinese corporations, with assset totalling over $3 trillion, across various sectors, including ICT, oil and gas, aluminium production, seaport construction, financial services, and satellite technology development.
He said the visit is expected to yield immediate and long-term benefits for the Nigerian economy and people, underscoring the President’s commitment to economic growth and development.
“ President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, will depart for the People’s Republic of China, most specifically, Beijing, from the nation’s capital within the first week of September, to engage in a series of meetings and activities with an immediate and future benefit to the Nigerian economy and the Nigerian people.
“First and foremost, His Excellency, Mr. President, will conduct site visits to two major Chinese corporations; Huawei Technologies, as well as the China Rail and Construction Corporation, (CRCC).
“This is with a view to achieving one of Mr. President’s top agenda items, which is the completion of the Ibadan to Abuja segment of the Lagos to Kano high-speed rail line.
Read Also; Gov Sani flags off 21km road rural road abandoned for two decades
“Thereafter the President, will meet 10 selected chief executive officers of 10 major Chinese corporations with assets under management totalling over $3 trillion US dollars across multiple sectors of the economy, including information and communications technology, refining oil and gas, aluminium production, seaport construction, harbour construction and dredging services, financial services, satellite technology development, as well as many other critical sectors”, Ngelale said.
Ngelale also disclosed that President Tinubu will meet with his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, and sign several Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at deepening cooperation between the two nations.
According to him, “the agreements will focus on key areas, including green economy, agriculture, satellite technology development, media enterprise development and promotion, blue economic development, and national planning cooperation.”
