Chinese province signs MOU on cooperation with Nigerian state

China's Jiangsu Province and Nigeria's Lagos State signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) Tuesday in Lagos with a view to encouraging trade and cooperation between the two sides.

Under the MOU, the province in eastern China and the biggest state in Nigeria will explore new areas of cooperation with priority to agriculture, infrastructure, industry, fishery, information technology, health care and human resources training, and exploit complementary advantages for mutual benefits.

The two sides will also promote exchanges between enterprises and create highly-efficient platforms for trade and investment exchanges.

They will also enhance cooperation in science and technology, culture, education, sports, environmental protection and tourism.

The MOU stressed the development of Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos jointly founded by the government of Lagos State, Nanjing Jiangning Development Zone in Jiangsu Province and China Railway Construction Corporation.

Li Yuanchao, secretary of the Jiangsu Provincial Committee of the Chinese Communist Party, who is visiting the most populous African country, and Governor of Lagos State Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the document in governor's office.

Before the signing ceremony, Tinubu said he is expecting more Chinese enterprises to invest in Lekki Free Trade Zone.

"The zone is set to introduce technology and management to Lagos from China," he said.

Li said he "has seen the bright future in the cooperation between Jiangsu and Lagos State."

"Jiangsu will devote its efforts to promoting the development of Lekki zone by means of the successful experiences in the development of Jiangning Development Zone in Nanjing," he said.

Li, heading a delegation from the Jiangsu Province, arrived in Lagos on Monday, after which they inspected the Lekki Free Trade Zone and met with Chinese entrepreneurs.

Source: Xinhua