The Made-in-China Goods Traders Association of Nigeria has requested that the Chinese government offer visa assistance and enhanced business openings for its affiliates to bolster economic ties between Nigeria and China. The group presented this request during a courtesy call to Madam Yan Yuqing, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos. During the visit, the National President and Patron of the association, Chief Adigun Samuel, explained that the collective, which has operated for over ten years, was formed to advocate for Made-in-China items and intensify two-way trade links between the two nations.
According to him, the affiliates of the group have steadily backed lawful commercial operations and aided the advancement of mercantile connections between Nigeria and China. “Over the years, our members have remained committed to supporting legitimate business activities and encouraging positive economic cooperation between both countries,” he stated. Samuel, nonetheless, expressed regret that notwithstanding the group’s efforts in trade and commerce, it had failed to get the degree of acknowledgment and assistance anticipated from the Chinese Consulate.
“Despite our long-standing existence and contributions, we have yet to receive the desired attention and recognition from the Consulate. This has limited our ability to fully achieve the purpose of our establishment and effectively support our members,” he noted. The organization explicitly petitioned for smoother visa acquisition for both debut and frequent travelers among its ranks, especially individuals looking to go to trade fairs and expositions in China. Samuel pressed the Chinese Consulate to evaluate the group’s affiliates for entry into major mercantile events, such as the Canton Fair, which stands as one of the biggest import and export trade expositions globally hosted in China.
“We humbly use this golden opportunity to request greater inclusiveness and opportunities for visa support for our members who want to visit China for the first time and the regular travellers among us to participate in trade exhibitions and official events organised or supported by the Consulate, especially the Canton Fair and other important trade shows in China,” he remarked. He mentioned that heightened involvement in these functions would assist merchants in securing wider experience, reinforcing corporate networks, and enhancing adherence to global trade benchmarks.
“Such opportunities will help us guide our members properly and encourage them to serve as good ambassadors of Nigeria while strictly obeying the laws and regulations of the People’s Republic of China,” he remarked further. The collective also petitioned the Chinese government to grant scholarship openings and skill-enhancement schemes for its affiliates via instructional setups in China. “We also request the Consulate for consideration of our members for scholarships to participate in China inbound training programmes for knowledge and skills development, cultural exchange, international exposure and capacity building,” Samuel observed.
He additionally conveyed the group’s eagerness to turn into an active participant in functions and schedules arranged by the Chinese Consulate within Nigeria. “Finally, we sincerely wish to become part of the regular activities of the Consulate so that we can continue contributing positively to the economic growth and trade relationship between China and Nigeria,” he declared. China continues to be among Nigeria’s biggest mercantile allies, with mutual trade setups covering infrastructural advancement, manufacturing, telecommunications, and consumer merchandise importation.
Nigerian merchants, notably importers of electronic devices, home goods, machinery, and fabrics, routinely journey to China for product sourcing and commercial talks.Lately, anxieties regarding visa availability and journey procedures have persisted as prominent challenges for Nigerian merchants attempting to scale up commercial prospects in the Asian nation.
Source: https://punchng.com/
