China and Nigeria are collaborating to leverage advanced technologies aimed at enhancing infrastructure development in both nations.
Fang Qiuchen, Chairman of the China International Construction Association (CHINCA), made this known at the 2024 China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) and the 18th China Engineering and Technology Exhibition in Abuja on Thursday.
Mr. Fang emphasized that green development and the digital economy have emerged as key drivers of economic growth, presenting significant opportunities for collaboration in sustainable infrastructure.
“Both China and Nigeria are actively exploring the use of advanced technologies, such as big data, cloud computing, and AI, to enhance the intelligence and automation of infrastructure. The integration of digital technology with new infrastructure, the blue economy, and agricultural modernization has become a focal point for our cooperation,” he said.
He highlighted that Chinese companies have undertaken substantial infrastructure projects in Nigeria across various sectors, including transportation, power generation, petrochemicals, communications, and industrial investment parks.
“Notable projects include the Lekki Deep Sea Port, Dangote Oil Refinery, Lagos Rail Mass Transit, Lagos International Airport and the Lagos Blue Line Rail. These cooperation projects have contributed greatly to the social and economic development of Nigeria, and greatly strengthened our bilateral relations,” he added.
Earlier in his remarks, Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai emphasized Nigeria’s pivotal role in China-Africa cooperation, citing its status as Africa’s largest economy and most populous nation. He noted that Nigeria is China’s largest engineering contract market and a significant trading partner.
The Ambassador stated that the CAETE exhibition aims to implement the outcomes of the 2024 Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the discussions held between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu in September, which elevated the two countries’ relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, setting a historic foundation for future collaboration.
“This expo showcases innovations across various sectors, including engineering, biotechnology, and green energy, aimed at promoting industrialization and agricultural modernization in Nigeria,” Yu said.
The expo, which concludes on November 30, features over 100 companies, including China Communication Construction (CCCC), Power China Company Limited, China Energy Limited, China Civil Engineering Construction Company (CCECC) Limited, China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) Limited, China Road & Bridge Limited, CGCOC Group Limited, Guangxi LiuGong Machinery and Zoomlion Limited.
