China unveils plans for Nigeria’s automobile industry
CHINA
The Chinese Embassy in Nigeria has expressed readiness to work with the Nigerian authorities to develop the country’s automobile industry.
The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Cui Jianchun, stated this at the official signing of agreement and handover of GAC cars to the Chinese Embassy in Abuja at the weekend.
He said part of his “Five Gs, Nigeria– China GDP strategy for the next fifty years cooperation” was to support Nigeria’s automobile industry with the requisite skill and technical expertise.
He stressed that building the capacity of Nigerians in the industry would create jobs, skill up the youth and boost Nigerian economy.
The envoy said, “Few days ago, I presented by ideas to the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama. My strategy is named “Five Gs, Nigeria–China GDP strategy for the next fifty years cooperation.
“One of the prioritized areas is about industries, and how to grow the automobile industry is the main pillar of the strategy. This is because without industries, you cannot get rich, you cannot get young people to work.
“So, we believe that as long as we have a strategy, to develop the Nigerian automobile industry with Nigerian characteristics is a possibility. So, I am working hard on that. I think the GAC has a very good business model to support not only the Chinese but Nigerians because the automobile industry is very critical to other industries.
‘There are huge potentials for the two sides to work together; the auto industry is related to mechanical engineering, electronic and information technology. So, it is not only about cars, it is about ICT, it is about engineering.
“So, I believe if we work together there could be big outcomes in the next five years. For this reason the Chinese Embassy is supporting this industry in Nigeria.”
The General Manager, Commercial, CIG Motors, Jubrin Arogundade, said partnering with the Chinese Embassy would help grow Nigeria’s auto industry, boost industrialisation and create employment for the youth.