NB247
China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Qui Jian Chun has expressed his country’s willingness to explore viable areas of partnership, especially in Nuclear Energy in Nigeria.
Mr Chun who led a delegation of members of the Chinese National Nuclear Cooperation (CNNC) to the Kogi State Government House on Monday, met with the state governor, Yahaya Bello and other members of his cabinet.
Mr Chun noted that his key interest as an Ambassador is to facilitate China’s investment and also utilize China’s technology for the benefit of Nigeria and certain states like Kogi.
He said that Nuclear Energy would further attract investment to the state, improve its infrastructure, tax revenue, job creation and attract vast social economic developments.
He further said that he was hopeful that the meeting would birth a historical moment, where the CNNC could be able to establish one of its two Proposed Nuclear Power Plant (NPP) in the state.
He mentioned that China was a leading reference in areas of modern infrastructures amongst the international community and that although both countries had an existing relationship with so much achieved, states like Kogi could benefit from China’s vested interest in modern infrastructure, Information Communication Technology, industry, Investments and import/exports opportunities.
Mr Chun asserted that he was hopeful that China which was the world’s largest consumption market could in the nearest future have a policy where Nigeria particularly states like Kogi could export more products into the Chinese Market.
The Chinese Ambassador pledged to establish a department of Nuclear energy at the Confluence University of Science and Technology, Osara and other institutions as part of plans to nurture local breed in the field adding that the Kogi government should similarly encourage and facilitate some of its young Engineering talents for exchange programmes in the country.
Governor Bello, while thanking the Chinese Ambassador, for finding Kogi State worthy of such recommendation added that the meeting was between two sincere governments who were both interested in the advancement of the people.
The Governor assured the Ambassador and the CNNC team that the relationship between their government and the state would enhanced.
He urged the Chinese government not to relent in sharing their wealth of experience with the Nigerian nation in areas where the country was currently facing temporary difficulties.