CEM REPORT, TRADE | The Federal Government of Nigeria has decried the standard of products exported to Nigeria by the Republic of China.
This is as the government raised concerns over visa tenure issued to Nigerians.
At the China (Changsha)-Nigeria Investment, Economic and Trade Promotion Conference, which was held recently in Abuja, Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), Evelyn Ngige, expressed displeasure in the standard of products as against what is exported to developed nations.
In what she described as ‘malpractices’ in the different trade policies that could “obstruct bilateral” trade, the permanent secretary stated that in certain circumstances, preferences are given to developed countries.
“Products that go into the developed market are different from those that come to Africa, including Nigeria”.
“Trade is a trade and should not have that type of territorial differentiation. Whatever we consume affects our health and to that extent, we must maintain the normal standard regardless of the countries of export.” Premium Times reports.
She called out the Chinese government for issuing short visa tenures to Nigerians, a factor she noted needs to be urgently addressed to avoid hindering both countries’ trade relationships.
The Permanent Secretary, represented by the ministry’s Director of Trade, Suleiman Audu, noted that the conference was in preparation for the next China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE), scheduled to take place in Changsha, Hunan, China in a few months.
Ngige, also emphasised that the upcoming China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) is crucial for Africa and Asia to strengthen collaborations and deepen economic relationships, noting that “economic and trade alliances are strategic for long-term prosperity”.
“The choice of China was deliberate, as China is one of the world’s top strategic trading partners. Through the Export Trading House, the volume of export and the feasibility of seeing Nigeria’s products and market share with countries will be enhanced”.
Meanwhile, towards fostering stronger ties and business relationships with China, the Nigerian government through the Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) said it has launched the Export Trading House in China Egypt, Kenya and Togo.
