Nonye Ayeni, Executive Director and CEO of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), welcomed a delegation from the Department of Commerce, Hunan Province, China. The 22-member delegation, led by Director General Mr. Shen Yumou, discussed enhancing trade and economic cooperation between Nigeria and Hunan Province.
Mr. Shen Yumou highlighted the delegation’s mission to fortify trade relations between the NEPC and Hunan Province. He proposed the establishment of an Export Office in Hunan to complement the existing Export Trade House, assuring the NEPC of the province’s support in realizing this initiative. Additionally, he invited the NEPC to participate in the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) 2024, to be hosted in Hunan Province.
In her welcoming address, Mrs. Nonye Ayeni emphasized the significance of the meeting in strengthening bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and China. She acknowledged China’s role as a crucial economic partner, with a trade volume exceeding $22.8 billion. However, she expressed concern over the substantial trade gap, which stands at over $18 billion against Nigeria.
Mrs. Ayeni informed the delegation about the NEPC’s various export promotional activities and elaborated on the “Export 35 Redefined” initiative, aimed at boosting Nigeria’s export capabilities. She also stressed the importance of developing Nigeria’s services sector for export.
In her closing remarks, Mrs. Ayeni reiterated the need for deeper collaboration between Nigeria and China, particularly with Hunan Province. She underscored the importance of inward and outward trade missions to connect Nigerian and Chinese businesses and facilitate trade agreements.
This meeting marks a pivotal step in enhancing trade cooperation and economic ties between Nigeria and Hunan Province, China, with both parties expressing optimism for future collaborations.
