Tegbe Urges Investment In Free Trade Zone To Boost Exports

Director-general of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP), Mr Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has urged investors to key into investment in the Free Trade Zone to boost Nigeria’s exports.

He stated this when the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership hosted a 35-man delegation of Chinese business leaders interested in investing and establishing partnerships in Nigeria.

The delegation, whose visit was facilitated by Pan-African Expansion Industrial Nigeria Ltd, comprised companies with interests in Science and Technology, Mining, Construction, Real estate, Healthcare, Tourism and E-commerce.
While welcoming the delegation, the director-general of the Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) noted that Nigeria offers a dynamic and increasingly attractive business environment, marked by significant growth and abundant opportunities for investment.

Responding to questions, the DG emphasised that Nigeria is positioned to serve as the gateway to business across the African continent.

He urged the investors to prioritise local production, stating that Nigeria seeks to move beyond merely exporting raw commodities. Instead, the focus is on upgrading exports to value-added products.

He encouraged the delegation to bring advanced technology and manufacturing capabilities to support this goal, which aligns with the nation’s industrialisation aspirations.

“Nigeria’s thriving technology sector stands as a beacon of opportunity. The country has produced several tech unicorns such as Andela and Flutterwave and continues to attract global investments.

“With China leading the way in technological innovation, deeper collaboration in this sphere offers immense potential. Strengthened cooperation between Nigeria and China would yield mutual benefits including increased trade and investment, job creation, enhanced infrastructure and knowledge transfer,” he said.

The delegation lead, Mr Jason Zhu, highlighted areas of desired investments in Nigeria, leveraging China’s industrial and technological advancements.