The Federal Government has called on Chinese government to consider a reduction of tariffs for Nigeria’s products exported to China as currently being done for the country’s neighbours.
Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo made the appeal on Monday while granting audience to a Chinese delegation led by the Vice Minister of Commerce, Mr. Qiam Keming, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
According to a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, the Vice-President noted that the reduction was important for the purpose of mutual economic interests of both countries.
He said the tariffs should be reduced because,”This is why your offer of agricultural modernisation plan are very important to us and we will follow them up as quickly as possible.
“Our government is investing a great deal in agriculture, not only for increasing job opportunities for our people, but also in feeding our people and for exports.”
While appreciating China for its readiness to partner with Nigeria in establishing industrial parks/free trade zones, the development of critical infrastructure, Osinbajo sought China’s support for the present administration’s economic diversification policy.
“President Muhammadu Buhari considers our relationship with China a priority and I am sure in your discussions with the Minister of Budget and National Planning, he would have told you the importance the President attaches to our relationship,” the Vice-President said.
He noted that the relationship between the two countries was being further enhanced by President Muhammadu Buhari through the resuscitation of the Nigeria-China Economic and Technical Joint Commission.
Earlier, Keming was said to have told the Vice-President that the objective of the visit to Nigeria “is to implement the outcome of the last meetings between the Presidents of Nigeria and China and to enhance existing cordial friendship and bilateral trade relations between the two countries.”
Source: PUNCH
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