Nigeria Commends China for Industrial Cooperation, Capacity Building at Beijing Seminar
Oru Leonard
Nigeria has expressed deep appreciation to the Government of the People’s Republic of China and the Academy for International Business Officials (AIBO) for hosting a high-level seminar on industrial cooperation and new industrialisation under the Global Development Initiative.
Speaking at the joint closing ceremony of the programme held in Beijing, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, described the seminar as “intellectually enriching and transformative,” noting that it provided participants with critical insights into China’s industrial growth and development model.
Ebienfa, who spoke on behalf of over 130 participants drawn from 10 countries across Africa, Asia, Oceania and Latin America, commended AIBO for its exceptional organisation, warm hospitality and high-quality academic engagement. He also acknowledged the role of the Chinese Embassy in Abuja in facilitating Nigeria’s participation.
According to him, the seminar exposed delegates to practical frameworks in industrial policy, technological innovation and sustainable development strategies driving China’s modernization. He said the experience has equipped participants with broader perspectives on people-oriented development, efficient resource utilisation and strategic international cooperation.
The Nigerian representative highlighted key study visits to notable landmarks and industrial hubs, including the Great Wall of China, the Museum of the Communist Party of China, and the Suzhou Industrial Park, where participants witnessed advanced infrastructure, clean energy applications and cutting-edge technologies.
He described the exposure as a “clarion call” for countries in Sub-Saharan Africa to leverage their youthful populations and natural resources to drive industrialisation and sustainable development. Ebienfa emphasised that lessons from the seminar should inform policymaking at national and regional levels across the continent.
Reaffirming China’s role as a key development partner, he noted that stronger collaboration between African countries and China would unlock mutual benefits, particularly in investment and infrastructure development.
Ebienfa further stressed that participants would return to their respective countries as ambassadors of industrial cooperation, committed to strengthening bilateral ties and advancing shared development goals.
He concluded by thanking the Chinese government for its continued support in capacity building and infrastructure development in Nigeria, while also appreciating AIBO officials and coordinators for their dedication and hospitality throughout the programme.
