By Busayo Onijala
Ms Yan Yuqing, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, says the outcomes of China’s recently concluded “Two Sessions” signal expanded high-standard opening-up for Nigeria.
She said this would create greater trade, investment and cooperation opportunities for Nigeria and Africa.
Yuqing made this known on Thursday at the Lagos Forum on China’s Two Sessions and a symposium marking the 55th anniversary of China–Nigeria diplomatic relations.
The Two Sessions, China’s major political events, are held annually in March, and the 2026 meetings marked the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan covering 2026 to 2030.
According to Yan, the Government Work Report delivered by China’s Premier, Li Qiang, outlines an ambitious blueprint for high-quality development over the next five years.
She said it also demonstrates China’s commitment to expanding high-standard opening-up, signalling deeper global integration and mutual benefit.
The Government Work Report was delivered at the fourth session of the 14th National People’s Congress on March 5 and outlined achievements in 2025 and major tasks for 2026.
These tasks include building a robust domestic market, advancing self-reliance in science and technology, and accelerating the green transition, among others.
The envoy described Nigeria as an important strategic partner of China in Africa and a key participant in the Belt and Road Initiative.
“China’s high-standard opening-up is not just a promise on paper. It is reflected in concrete actions taken together with countries around the world, including Nigeria.
“Nigeria remains China’s largest engineering contracting market in Africa and its second-largest export market on the continent.”
According to Yan, Nigeria is also a major investment destination for China, reflecting the depth of economic ties between both countries.
The envoy noted that the global landscape is undergoing profound changes, with the rise of the Global South, represented by China and Africa, gaining momentum despite persistent geopolitical tensions.
She, however, warned against hegemonism and actions that undermine international law and the rights of developing countries, stressing the need for fairness, justice and stronger cooperation.
“In the face of a turbulent world, China and Africa must strengthen solidarity, mutual support and deepen exchanges,” she said.
Yan said that in 2025, China–Africa trade reached a record high of 348 billion dollars, up 17.7 per cent year on year.
“As the first year of the 15th Five-Year Plan, 2026 will see China continue to advance the Global Development Initiative, expand high-standard opening-up, and firmly uphold multilateralism and the international economic and trade order,” she said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that during a recent meeting with journalists, China’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Wang Yi, affirmed that China–Africa relations will see new developments in 2026.
Notably, the full implementation of zero-tariff access for 100 per cent of African imports will commence from May 1.
This, he said, will help Africa access greater opportunities in the Chinese market.
NAN also reports that 2026 has been designated as the Year of China–Africa People-to-People Exchanges and marks the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations between China and African countries.
Prof. Joshua Bolarinwa, Director of Research at the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, said developments within China, particularly those highlighted during the 2026 Two Sessions, provide insights into the country’s policy priorities and global role.
Bolarinwa noted that the people-to-people exchange year emphasises cultural diplomacy, educational exchanges and societal interaction in strengthening cooperation.
“By fostering deeper understanding among citizens, scholars, and young people, these initiatives help build the social foundations necessary for sustained cooperation,” he said.
He added that the initiative would also promote collaboration in areas such as youth engagement, tourism, cultural festivals, academic research and media interaction.
According to him, such exchanges will strengthen diplomatic goodwill and create social networks that complement state-to-state relations. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
Edited by Chinyere Joel-Nwokeoma
