NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

China to deepen trade ties with Europe, says Economist

149 total views today

By Fortune Abang

Chim Lee, Senior China Analyst at the Economist Intelligence Unit, says China is set to strengthen its trade relations with Europe, viewing the continent as a vital market.

Lee disclosed this on Friday during a global virtual update on the outcome of China-European Union (EU) trade negotiations.

He explained that this move comes in spite of recent trade friction between China and the EU, including the EU Commission’s imposition of anti-subsidy tariffs on electric vehicles (EVs) imported from China.

According to Lee, China’s Ministry of Commerce has filed a lawsuit with the World Trade Organisation (WTO), deeming the EU’s decision unacceptable and a violation of WTO rules.

He further noted that there is still room for negotiation, with bilateral talks ongoing after Brussels sent a technical team to Beijing.

Lee said, “Italian President Sergio Mattarella is visiting China shortly after the French Minister Delegate Sophie Primas, which is seen as an effort to prevent further escalation.

“Considering that EVs are one of more than 30 Chinese products the EU is investigating, there is potential for the situation to worsen. However, if you look at China’s response, the retaliation has been targeted.

“To date, China has launched probes into brandy, dairy, and pork imported from the EU.

“This follows a preliminary ruling that confirmed brandy dumping from the EU but imposed no duties.

“Provisional measures, in the form of cash deposits, were implemented only after EU member states agreed to enact the long-discussed tariffs last month”.

The analyst added that China would continue to seek market share not only by establishing its own plants, but by working with European partners to set up local production.

He mentioned that Chinese companies are exploring opportunities in Latin America and Southeast Asia, beyond Europe, for exports and localised production.

China currently accounts for 60 percent of the global EV market.

Lee also noted that China’s focus on localised production and re-industrialisation in Europe is expected to grow.

He said, “China and the EU are working to strengthen their trade ties, despite recent tensions”.

The Chinese Ministry of Commerce has reaffirmed its commitment to resolving differences through dialogue.

“While France’s Minister Delegate, Sophie Primas, emphasised the need to resolve trade disputes through consultation, Europe accounted for 41.27 percent of China’s battery EV exports in 2023, with Tesla alone making up 28 percent.

“Chinese firms view Europe as a vital market and are exploring ways to increase their market share, including partnerships with European companies to establish local production.

“Beyond Europe, Chinese companies are expanding into Latin America and Southeast Asia, focusing on exports and localised production.

“This move is not only a response to European trade barriers but also a strategic push into new markets”. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Francis Onyeukwu and Abiemwense Moru

Health

FG, Chinese firm partner on local HIV test kits

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By Justina Auta

The Federal Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with WONDFO BIOTECH Ltd. to support local production of HIV diagnostic kits in Nigeria.

Dr Temitope Ilori, Director General, National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), announced this in Abuja while receiving 4,000 HIV test kits from WONDFO ahead of World AIDS Day.

“The WONDFO community recently in China signed a MoU with feedback on unlocking the value chain initiative of President Tinubu, to ensure that we have domestic production of the reagent of the test kits and other HIV commodities.

“I want to commend you for that initiative and we look forward to having your own domestic plants here in Nigeria”.

She expressed appreciation to the organisation for the commodities received, adding that the initiative would support in ending AIDS epidemic in the country.

“This will ensure that individuals can actually test for HIV, even in the comfort of their homes.

“We are happy to have this kit with us, and we want to assure you that we’re going to give it judicious use,” she added.

Earlier, Mr Bravo Ouhabru, Country Representative, WONDFO, said the test kits, comprising of both self-test and professional use tests, would enhance healthcare and support HIV prevention efforts.

He added that the initiative was part of activities to support NACA commemorate the 2024 World AIDS Day, to promote reliable testing, enable people know their status and ending the epidemic by 2030.

“A lot of people are going around not knowing that they are even carrying the virus.

“The fact that someone tested negative today does not mean that it’s negative forever.

“So it is very important we continue to move ahead with all this activity that will make everybody to be aware, to know their status.

“HIV status is very important. That is the starting point. Once you know that, then all other areas involved in HIV management can easily come in,” he said.

He said that private pharmacies would also be supplied some at a subsidised rate to enable people carry out the test in the comfort of their homes and seek medical care if reactive. (NAN) www.nannews.ng.com

Edited by Abiemwense Moru

Foreign

Chinese editor tasks journalists on media industry

352 total views today

 

By Halima Sheji

Xu Xiaoen, the President of Jinhua branch of Zhenjian Daily Press Group, in China, on Saturday advised African journalists to dedicate themselves to improving the media industry in the continent.

 

He spoke in Jinhua on the 3rd  day of the seminar for omni-media journalists from English-speaking African countries at the Zhejiang Normal University, Jinhua city in China.

 

Xu delivered a comprehensive lecture on management and operations in the media industry.

 

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the training aimed to empower newsmen with essential skills for navigating the ever-evolving media landscape.

 

Participants from 10 English-speaking African countries, including Nigeria, shared insights on how to effectively set an agenda that resonates with readers, particularly within larger societies.

 

The focus was on embracing a multi-faceted approach to journalism to achieve maximum impact and reach the widest audience possible.

 

In addition to agenda-setting, the seminar emphasised the importance of ethical reporting and transparency in the media.

 

Participants were also encouraged to uphold the highest standards of integrity while utilising innovative storytelling techniques.

 

“By incorporating diverse voices and perspectives, journalists can create more inclusive narratives that reflect the realities of their communities and foster a sense of belonging among audiences,” Xu said.

 

NAN reports that the seminar was not just an opportunity for learning, but also for networking and collaboration among journalists across the continent.

 

Those in attendance were able to form valuable connections, shared experiences and discussed ways to collectively tackle challenges within the industry.

 

By harnessing their shared knowledge and resources, the journalists have the opportunity to significantly enhance the quality of media output in their respective countries. (NAN)

Edited by Uche Anunne

Foreign

China’s agricultural sector to reach 1.4trn jin—Economist

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By Fortune Abang

Yao Jingyuan, former Chief Economist of the National Bureau of Statistics of China, has projected the Chinese agricultural sector national grain output to reach new high record of 1.4 trillion jin.

Jingyuan, who is well-versed in China’s economic indicators with not less than four decades of experience in economic analysis, disclosed this at the virtual 2024 annual meeting of Harvard Business Review in Beijing.

According to him, investing in China truly means investing in valuable opportunities.

“The 1.4 trillion jin approximately 700 million tonnes so far recorded this year marked an increase of about 100 billion jin; that is 50 thousand tonnes compared to the average of the past nine years.

“The Chinese economy is intricate; yet one of the most straightforward ways to assess it is through agricultural and industrial output.

“In 2024, China has recorded a significant grain harvest and substantial growth in industrial output, underscoring its stable and robust production capacity.

“This achievement not only signifies several consecutive years of ample grain production in China, but also reinforces the country’s food security.”

He emphasised the importance of stable agricultural product supply rather than focusing solely on statistics.

Jingyuan added that one should observe the food market, abundance of meat, poultry, egg and vegetables, along with a decline in prices.

On the industrial sector, he explained that equipment manufacturing grew by 7.5 per cent, while high-tech manufacturing surged by 9.1 per cent in the first three quarters of this year.

“Manufacturing remains the backbone of the industry and is gaining momentum, particularly high-tech sector; energy consumption per unit of added value among large industrial enterprises decreased by 3.8 per cent year-on-year in the same period.

“Exports, a key driver of economic growth, have performed impressively this year, in the first three quarters, China’s exports increased by 6.2 per cent year-on-year, reflecting the country’s sustained competitiveness in global trade.

“These strong export performances are attributed to China’s robust comprehensive industrial and supply chains, formidable production capacity, and the vitality of the private sector, which constitutes 55 per cent of the economy.

“Therefore, I anticipate that China’s import and export activities will maintain positive momentum over the next two months”.

He commended the Chinese government for policies addressing challenges and boosting investment in infrastructure, industry, and property, noting industrial investment in large-scale equipment upgrades as especially promising.

Jingyuan said that data from the National Development and Reform Commission in 2023, indicated that investment in equipment for key sectors such as industry and agriculture in China amounted to approximately 4.9 trillion yuan.

“The government plans to increase this investment by 25 per cent over four years, targeting 7 trillion yuan by 2027, which translates to an annual addition of 350 billion yuan in new industrial investment.”

Jingyuan said he anticipated that China would continue to issue ultra-long special treasury bonds in 2025 and expressed strong confidence in the future of the Chinese economy.

He further called for collaboration across all sectors of society to seize emerging development opportunities.

“We must believe that China will overcome challenges and restore public confidence and expectations.

“We have faced severe obstacles during our most trying times, such as the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, the Asian financial crisis in 1998, and the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis in 2008.

“We are in a much stronger position than we were in those situations; and we will succeed once again,”  he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)

Edited by Chijioke Okoronkwo

Foreign

Chinese Envoy pledges to boost China-Nigeria education exchange

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By Sarafina Christopher

China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, announced on Tuesday in Abuja that the Chinese government is committed to strengthening educational exchange programmes with Nigeria.

Dunhai made this statement during the commissioning of the Chinese Corner and the Award Ceremony for the 2024 Chinese Ambassador Drawing Competition at Government Secondary School, Wuse Zone 3, Abuja.

The ambassador emphasised that education is crucial for fostering economic development and social progress.

“Education is a fundamental driver of national development. By enhancing educational opportunities in Nigeria, we can work together to build a brighter future for both our nations.

“We believe that education is not just about acquiring knowledge; it is about building lasting friendships and partnerships,” he said.

Dunhai noted that China has established and equipped about 13 Chinese Corners in Nigeria with computers, Chinese books, and films to promote education and cultural diversity.

He also outlined several ongoing initiatives aimed at improving educational infrastructure and access in Nigeria.

“These initiatives include scholarship opportunities for Nigerian students to study in China, providing educational materials, and supporting the construction of schools in underserved areas,” he explained.

Dunhai also mentioned the potential for collaborative programs between Chinese and Nigerian institutions to facilitate knowledge exchange and technological advancements.

Dr Muhammed Ladan, Director/Secretary of the FCT Secondary Education Board, expressed gratitude for China’s unwavering support in improving the quality of education in Nigeria through valuable partnerships.

“The partnership with China in education is vital for our efforts to enhance the quality of education in Nigeria.

“The Corners serve as resource centers for Chinese education and as hubs for cultural exchange between Nigeria and China.

“We welcome these initiatives and look forward to working closely with the Chinese government,” Ladan stated.

Mrs Josephine Ogwu, the school principal, thanked the Embassy and Mr Martin Chen, Chairman of China Harbour Engineering Company Nigeria Limited, for establishing the Cultural Centre.

She noted that the center signifies China’s strong commitment to educational and cultural exchange.

Ogwu noted that the corner is important for facilitating educational and cultural interactions between Nigeria and China, broadening students’ global perspectives, and fostering tolerance to create global citizens.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that awards were presented to students from 12 Chinese corner schools for the drawing competition. (NAN)(www.nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Yinusa Ishola/Mark Longyen

Foreign

Flood: Chinese coy donates food supplies to Borno

366 total views today

By Sarafina Christopher

The China Machinery Engineering Corporation (CMEC), has donated more than 11 tons of food supplies to the Borno  Government for distribution to those affected by the recent flood in the state.

The supplies to aid the flood victims were presented during a ceremony in Maiduguri, attended by Gov. Babagana Zulum, heads of relevant government departments and representatives from the Chinese firm.

Liu Shuai, a representative of CMEC in a statement on Sunday, said the initiative was part of the company’s corporate social responsibility and reflected its commitment to the wellbeing of local communities in Nigeria.

He recalls that on Sept. 10, Maiduguri, the Borno capital, and its environs experienced their worst flood in 30 years, resulting in many deaths, destruction of property and the displacement of hundreds of thousands of residents.

“As a central Chinese enterprise operating in the Nigerian market for many years, CMEC has consistently monitored the livelihoods of local residents and actively fulfilled its social responsibilities,” Shuai said.

He said that CMEC quickly mobilised support for its local staff right after the flood and launched a special assistance plan for local government and flood victims.

“In addition to the food supplies, CMEC will continue to increase its investments and actively participate in post-disaster reconstruction efforts to assist the government and people of Borno State in overcoming these challenges as swiftly as possible,” he said.

Gov. Babagana Zulum of Borno expressed gratitude for the support provided by CMEC, assuring that his administration would complete post-disaster reconstruction on time.

The governor also highlighted the significant role of the Maiduguri Emergency Power Plant (MEPP) project, undertaken by CMEC, in the socio-economic development of the local community.

He expressed hope for more extensive cooperation with CMEC in the future.(NAN)

Edited by Taiye Agbaje and Chijioke Okoronkwo

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