China woos Nigeria to Belt and Road Fund

Chao Xiaoliang, the Consul-General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, on Wednesday enjoined Nigeria to take advantage of his government’s   available Belt and Road Fund.

Chao, in an article entitled: “The Belt and Road Initiative: Equal and Inclusive Development,’’ noted the benefits of the just-concluded The Belt and Road Forum(BRF), in Beijing, China, to Nigeria and other countries.

According to him, China is increasing her Silk Road Fund with 14.5 billion dollars (about N4.57trillion), allowing for 43.5 billion dollars (about N13.7trillion) for financing businesses.

“China attaches great importance to developing relations with Nigeria, and has so far, achieved fruitful results from our cooperation in recent years.

“The Belt and Road Initiative ( BRI) offers an ideal platform and framework to Nigeria in conducting cooperation not only with China, but also with all participating countries.

“Through the platform of BRI, Nigeria can obtain more opportunities to strengthen its infrastructure, diversify its economy and integrate itself into the world economy.

“With more initiative, efficiency, willingness and proper forms of participation, Nigeria can take advantage of the BRI as a strong driving force to help realise its own development strategy,’’ he said.

Chao said that it was imperative for Nigeria to know that the BRI would promote growth of all the countries involved, as well as contribute to regional and global peace, stability and security. The consul-general said that it was important for countries to see the initiative as an opportunity to realise the 2063 Agenda.

Chao said that some African countries at the forum, which was attended by 30 Heads of Governments, saw the initiative as an opportunity to enhance their socio-economic development.

“Many African countries have realised the close connection between the BRI and the “2063 Agenda” proposed by the African Union.

“They have seen the BRI as a great opportunity to boost the development of their own countries.

“We also believe that Nigeria can take advantage of the BRI as a strong driving force to help her realise her own development strategy,’’ he said.

Chao said that the forum had reached a consensus on the need to push for more international cooperation in building the Belt and Road, to facilitate trade and investment between countries. He said that it also saw the need for participating countries to synergise on sharing development strategies and economic policies between them, as well as prioritising capital projects in their countries.

“The BRI is an open and inclusive platform, all countries are equal participants, contributors and beneficiaries. Countries will conduct cooperation through opening-up and achieve win-win results through cooperation,’’ Chao added.