Edo, China Strengthen Investment Ties

BENIN CITY – The diplomatic relations between Edo State and China has been further strengthened with the visit of the Consular-General of China of Nigeria, Leu Kan to the State Governor Comrade Adams Oshiomhole with emphasis on Chinese investments in Edo State.
Receiving the Consular-General on a courtesy visit to Government House, Benin City yesterday, Governor Oshiomhole said “We want to deepen relations so that more Chinese investors can come in either to run solely or in partnership with Edo State.”
Governor Oshiomhole, who expressed pleasure at the Chinese diplomat, affirmed that the visit would afford Leu Kan the opportunity to look at the agricultural sector especially as Edo State has a good soil adding “I hope that we are able to do some collaboration in the area of agriculture because that is one of our areas of serious focus right now.”
Beside noting that Edo State has a rich cultural heritage some of which are similar to that of China, he told the Chinese envoy that there were some Chinese companies in the state that were producing quality products in the state such as ceramic tile and iron rods which we direly need for our building industry and “they have even shared with me their plans to further their operations.
Governor Oshiomhole who expressed the ability of the Minister of Power for improved electric power, dwelt on the solid mineral endowment and asserted that the recent visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to China transcends politics to economic diplomacy and would translate to more Chinese investments to be producing in the country and we would have less finished Chinese goods in Nigeria.
While encouraging Mr. Kan and his entourage to have a feel of Edo State either now or subsequently, Governor Oshiomhole assures the Chinese investors of adequate security in the state.
Earlier, the Chinese Consular General to Nigeria, Leu Kan disclosed that he is the fifth Consular General to Nigeria and this was his first visit to Edo State.
He explained that this is the 45th anniversary of the Nigeria – China diplomatic relations since it started in 1971 just as he hinted that his mission was to promote and strengthen the diplomatic relations.
Mr. Kan, who relished on the culture of Benin Kingdom and affirmed that this is the best time to develop and strengthen the relations as a follow up to the recent visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to China.
Therefore, he sought the support of Governor Oshiomhole for the care of Chinese citizens and companies.
The Chinese diplomat and Governor Oshiomhole later exchanged souvenirs.