Envoy wants more security for foreign investors
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian has called for adequate security measures to protect foreign investors operating in the country.
Nigeria is China’s largest projectcontracting market and second largest export market, third largest trading partners and major investment destination in Africa.
Pingjian, at the 3rd ChinaNigeria Consular forum in Abuja, also appealed to the federal government to continue making efforts to improve business environment for Chinese investors.
“We appreciate Nigerian Government keeps making efforts to improve business environment and provide facilitation at the points of entry for Chinese companies and citizens as well as security assistance during their stay or for their operation in Nigeria,” the envoy said.
“The Chinese Government always asks Chinese enterprises and citizens in Nigeria to observe local laws and regulations, respect local culture and customs, live in harmony with local people and make contributions to Nigeria’s economic and social development,” he added.
The envoy stressed that China supports the relocation of its industries to Nigeria and expansion of production capacity cooperation with Nigeria.
“China sincerely hopes to share its experience and stands ready to provide capital, technology and talents in support of Nigeria’s industrialization,” he said.
Speaking on people-to-people exchanges between both countries, Pingjian said the volume of Chinese visas issued to Nigerians has been steadily on the increase in the past few years.
China, he said, has taken many concrete steps to facilitate peopleto-people exchanges and improve consular services for Nigerians.
“The embassy renders quality services for a large number of Nigerians travelling to China for business, study or tourism every year,” he added.
Since the agreement on mutual visa exemption for diplomatic and official passports took effect in 2014, the envoy said it has become particularly convenient to travel on public service purposes between the two countries.