The Nigeria-China Strategic Partnership (NCSP) recently hosted a delegation from the Z-Park Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Association, marking a significant step toward strengthening bilateral relations and exploring new areas of cooperation between Nigeria and China.
The delegation, led by Mr. Shi Qilin, Executive Secretary-General of Z-Park, was received by NCSP Director-General, Mr. Joseph Tegbe. Discussions focused on enhancing collaboration in digital economy growth, infrastructure development, science and technology, education, and cultural exchanges. The partnership seeks to leverage Chinese advancements in science and technology to drive localized industrial and agricultural solutions, create jobs, and boost economic prosperity. It also aims to enhance workforce skills through industry-education integration programs that will address the demand for skilled technicians and managers, contributing to industrial growth.
During the visit, Mr. Shi provided insights into the Zhongguancun Infovalley Science and Technology Park, a key innovation hub under the ZGC group, which has built 50 industrial parks across China over the past 25 years. He highlighted potential areas of collaboration, particularly leveraging the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone and other initiatives to foster knowledge transfer and industrial development in Nigeria. The group expressed interest in establishing partnerships across science, technology, engineering, and education.
Welcoming the delegation, Mr. Joseph Tegbe reiterated President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s relationship with China, leading to the establishment of the NCSP. He emphasized the administration’s focus on trade, investment, and infrastructure development as critical to economic progress. He also noted opportunities in electricity generation and transmission, renewable energy deployment, and electric vehicle production, aligning with the government’s push for clean energy solutions.
Other members of the Chinese delegation included senior executives from Zhongguancun Science and Technology Entrepreneurs Association, Beijing Zhongguancun Infogu Asset Management Co Ltd, Infogu (Tianjin) Industry-Education Integration Technology Co Ltd, and the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone.
The visit underscores the deepening relationship between Nigeria and China in driving economic development through science, technology, and innovation. As discussions between NCSP and ZGC continue, both sides remain optimistic about forging mutually beneficial collaborations.
