NEWS AGENCY OF NIGERIA
Foreign

NAN MD says China’s “Two Sessions” key to governance, modernisation

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By Ismail Abdulaziz
China’s cooperation with African nations, particularly in industrialisation, capacity building and technology transfer, is playing a crucial role in addressing the continent’s development challenges.

The Managing Director of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Malam Ali Muhammad Ali, said this in an interview with the Chinese news agency, Xinhua.

Ali was speaking against the background of the China two sessions event that began in Beijing on Monday.

He said that China’s “two sessions” had become a crucial window through which the world observes the country’s governance model and gains insights into its modernisation.

NAN reports that the two sessions is an annual political gathering with thousands of political and community delegates converging on Beijing.

Delegates are drawn from across mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau to ratify legislation, personnel changes and the budget over about two weeks of highly choreographed meetings.

The event is called the “two sessions” because both the National People’s Congress (NPC) and the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) hold their annual meetings separately, but at the same time.

The meetings include “work report” speeches by the premier, and sometimes – but not always – speeches by the party leader.

Official economic targets are set, military budgets announced, and changes in the ranks of party leadership bodies are confirmed.

“The “two sessions” showcase the transparency and efficiency of China’s governance, as well as its responsible administrative system.

“China’s governance experience is even more valuable in the current context of profound global changes,” Ali said.

Having visited China multiple times, Ali expressed delight at the country’s rapid development and transformation.

According to him, China stands out in renewable energy, infrastructure and agriculture among other fields.

Describing China’s engagement with other developing countries as “unique,” he emphasised its focus on delivering tangible benefits through infrastructure development, vocational training and technology-driven investment.

“China’s cooperation with African nations, particularly in industrialisation, capacity building and technology transfer, is playing a crucial role in addressing the continent’s development challenges.

“Africa is benefiting from industrial investments and infrastructure projects that are transforming economies across the continent,” Ali said.

He added that without roads, bridges, railways and power projects, “industrialisation would be impossible.”

Noting that NAN was keenly watching and reporting on this year’s “two sessions,” Ali expected the “two sessions” to reveal more information on future China-Africa cooperation.

“By deepening China-Africa cooperation, more African nations will learn from China’s experience and jointly advance global governance and economic prosperity,” he said.(NAN/Xinhua)
(Edited by Mufutau Ojo)

Foreign

China inaugurates 2025 economic roadmap, targets 5% GDP growth

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By Fortune Abang

The Government of China has inaugurated its 2025 economic Roadmap centred on bolstering five per cent GDP growth, innovation and investment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the roadmap is centred on boosting consumption, innovation and technology, fiscal and monetary policy implementation, as well as market reform.

China’s Premier Li Qiang disclosed this during the virtual presentation of the Chinese government work report against the backdrop of the third session of the 14th National People’s Congress (NPC) in Beijing, China.

He stated that the focus of the roadmap was fiscal expansion, technological innovation, and foreign investment, outlining a comprehensive approach aimed at sustaining the country’s economic growth amid global uncertainties.

Li said, “A key feature of China’s 2025 economic strategy is an expanded fiscal policy with the deficit-to-GDP ratio set at four per cent, marking a notable increase from the previous year.

“To support economic stimulus, Chinese government plans to issue 1.3 trillion yuan in ultra-long special treasury bonds, up by 300 billion yuan from last year, along with 4.4 trillion yuan in local government special-purpose bonds.

“Such represents a 500 billion yuan increase over 2024 levels; this fiscal expansion is designed to boost domestic consumption.

“Of the ultra-long special treasury bonds, 300 billion yuan will be allocated to consumer goods trade-in programmes.”

Tian Xuan, Deputy to the 14th NPC and Associate Dean at PBC School of Finance, Tsinghua University, explained the significance of the initiative, saying expanding domestic demand is a priority among ten key tasks outlined in the report.

According to Tian, the dedicated 300 billion yuan for trade-in programmes will stimulate consumption, drive transformation and upgrade consumption patterns.

Chan Chun-ying, Hong Kong’s Deputy to the NPC and Advisor at Bank of China Hong Kong Ltd, expressed confidence in the economic target.

He added that China had consistently sustained medium-to-high-speed economic growth.

He restated that such is notable in China’s ability to maintain a five per cent growth rate and demonstrated confidence, which in turn boosted confidence.

“China is prioritising technological advancements in biomanufacturing, quantum-computing, embodied AI and 6G.

“The AI Plus initiative aims to integrate digital technologies with manufacturing strengths, supporting extensive application of large-scale AI models, development of next-generation intelligent terminals and smart manufacturing equipment.

“The emergence of deep-seek has demonstrated that we can achieve global AI capabilities, using cost-effective chips and faster processing speeds,” Chan said.

Erik Solheim, former UN Under-Secretary-General and former Executive-Director of the UN Environment Programme, described the roadmap as China’s commitment to stabilising foreign trade and advancing Belt and Road cooperation.

“China remains a significant force in the world economy with an expected economic growth of five per cent for 2025, China will continue to be the biggest source of global economic growth.

“Stability and innovation are key themes of this year’s two sessions; China is at the forefront of innovation, particularly in the two most important sectors, such as economy and environment,” Solheim said.

High points of the event were remarks by Patrick Nijs, co-founder of the EU-China Joint Innovation Centre and Bernardo Mendia, Board Advisor at the EU Young Entrepreneurs Association. (NAN) (nannews.com.ng)

Edited by Gregg Mmaduakolam/Oluwafunke Ishola

Foreign

IWD: Chinese Ambassador pledge cooperation with Nigeria to boost women empowerment

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Empowerment

By Sarafina Christopher

The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Yu Dunhai has affirmed China’s dedication in collaborating with Nigeria to enhance gender equality and promote women’s empowerment.

He made this pledge on Friday in Abuja during the “Her Story and Future” event marking the 115th International Women’s Day and 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration hosted by the Chinese Embassy in collaboration with the Nigerian Ministry of Women Affairs.

The ambassador stressed the significance of the Beijing Declaration, a widely acknowledged blueprint for safeguarding women’s rights globally.

He said that the belief in gender not being a hindrance to humanity’s progress informed part of the decision for the crucial declaration.

Furthermore, he acknowledged women as the driving force behind both human advancement and economic growth.

He noted that with the backdrop of strengthened China-Nigeria relations, especially following President Bola Tinubu’s trip to China and participation in the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, there was need to ramp up efforts towards gender equality and women’s empowerment in Nigeria.

“We would like to work with Nigeria to improve gender equality and also women empowerment

“We are keen on empowering Nigerian women through avenues like education, capacity enhancement, vocational training, and have already taken strides in this direction,” he stated.

He also listed successes such as a Nigerian female train conductor trained by the Chinese company CCECC and the rise of talented Nigerian female entrepreneurs in sectors like ICT, with whom China hopes to foster deeper collaboration.

Yu noted that China has underlined its commitment to gender equality through a robust legal framework encompassing over 100 laws and regulations aimed at safeguarding women’s rights.

Key achievements include an average life expectancy of nearly 81 years for Chinese women and the elimination of gender disparities in education.

Notably, women constitute 45 per cent of China’s workforce, and in the internet sector, female entrepreneurs surpass their male counterparts at 55 per cent.

He also highlighted the active involvement of women in the “Two Sessions” political meetings in Beijing, shaping national policies as representatives.

The Ambassador stressed that China’s strides in gender equality and women’s development not only underscore its human rights framework but also contribute significantly to global equality, development, and peace.

Yu expressed confidence that more Nigeria women would benefit from high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative, allowing them to realise their aspirations and shape a prosperous future

Yu also extended warm greetings to women in Nigeria and worldwide, emphasising the United Nations theme: “For All Women and Girls: Rights, Equality, Empowerment.”

Mrs Olubunmi Olowookere, Permanent Secretary of the Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, lauded the resilience and bravery of women across history.

She emphasised the imperative of acknowledging and celebrating women’s contributions in science, business, the arts, and leadership for a future where education, equality, and empowerment are basic rights, not luxuries.

“As we honour the past, we must also commit to a future where education, equality, and empowerment are fundamental rights, not privileges,” she said.

NAN reports that the event attracted government officials, diplomats, and gender advocates who echoed the call for advancing women’s rights in Nigeria.(NAN)

Features

China and Nigeria Joining Hands for a Brighter Future

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By Yu Dunhai

From January 8th to 9th, H.E. Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and Minister of Foreign Affairs, paid an official visit to Nigeria.

During the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi met with President Tinubu and Foreign Minister Tuggar, which harvested fruitful results.

After 4 years since Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s last visit to Nigeria, this visit occurs amid the 25th Anniversary of the Founding of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the beginning of implementing the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit 2024, and aims to build on past achievement and guide the future for the China-Africa and China-Nigeria relations.

This is another high-level exchange between China and Nigeria following the successive visits of Foreign Minister Tuggar and President Tinubu to China last year, which therefore is also a reunion between good friends.

As the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, I had the honour and privilege to accompany and witness the visit, and I am happy to share my thoughts of this visit as follows.

First, the visit bears extraordinary significance. This visit goes along with the established practice of Chinese diplomacy that the Chinese Foreign Minister would choose Africa as his first overseas destination at the start of every new year, a tradition lasting over the past 35 years.

It reflects the mutual support and original aspiration of the China-Africa friendship, which plays a unique role in the history of international exchanges.

The visit also demonstrates China’s resolve and commitment to working with Nigeria to implement the consensus reached by our two Heads of State and the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, and leading the Global South in advancing solidarity and cooperation.

The visit has greatly strengthened the synergies between the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), the Ten Partnership Actions for China and Africa to jointly advance modernization, and the Priority Areas of the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu.

The visit injected new impetus into our Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, deepened our cooperation, and enhanced the international coordination between our two countries.

Second, the two sides reached a broad consensus. During the visit, Foreign Minister Wang Yi spoke highly of the China-Nigeria relations, stating that under the strategic guidance of the two Presidents, our bilateral relations have achieved three outstanding achievements, namely a new leap in positioning of the relations, a new platform created through solidarity and collaboration, and a new height in international cooperation.

The Nigerian side noted that our relations is rooted in traditional friendship and is unbreakable.

Nigeria particularly reaffirmed its commitment to the One-China principle and supporting China’s efforts in achieving national reunification, and its role on the world stage.

Regarding regional issues, China reiterated that it would stand together with Nigeria to counter terrorism and maintain regional peace and stability in the Sahel region and West Africa.

China also supports Nigeria in playing a more important role on the global stage.

Both sides agreed to forge greater synergy in strategies, consolidate political mutual trust, jointly maintain regional peace and stability, strengthen coordination on international and regional affairs, and promote China-Nigeria relations to a higher level.

Third, the visit charted the way forward for our cooperation. Practical cooperation has always been the driving force of the China-Nigeria relations. Such mega projects as the Lekki Deep Sea Port, four major Terminals, and the Ogun Free Trade Zone, have not only profoundly improved Nigerian people’s livelihood, but also constitute stellar examples in China-Africa cooperation.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit further consolidates the ‘strategic’ nature of China-Nigeria cooperation. We will work together to translate the important consensus reached by the two leaders and the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit into actions.

We will step up synergy in development strategies to achieve common development as well as to support the collective rise of the Global South.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit also highlights the exemplary feature of China-Nigeria cooperation.

Just before the visit, the People’s Bank of China and the Central Bank of Nigeria renewed the currency swap agreement, which was valued at 15 billion yuan or 3.28 trillion Naira. The China Development Bank issued the first loan of €245 million to support the Kano-Kaduna railway project.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi also reiterated China’s support for the Nigeria railway modernisation project.

Besides the traditional infrastructure cooperation, our two sides also exchanged views on deepening cooperation in such areas as trade, new energy, mining, agriculture, people-to-people exchanges, and security.

In the days to come, China-Nigeria cooperation will embark on a broader and faster lane.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks to Nigerian colleagues and friends, from the State House, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and other departments for their hard work to make the visit a great success, and their warm hospitality extended to the Chinese delegation.

As a Chinese saying goes, even mountains and seas cannot distance people with shared aspirations. No matter how the international landscape evolves, China will always be Nigeria’s most trustworthy friend, most reliable partner in pursuing development, and the strongest backing on the international stage.

We are willing to take this visit as an opportunity to deepen cooperation with Nigeria in various fields and jointly serve as the pioneers in redressing the historical injustices, the co-workers for the rise of the Global South, and the doers for the improvement of global governance.

May our cooperation forever nourish, and our friendship never perish.

**…Yu Dunhai, is the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria.

Foreign

China’s ice-snow sector ’ll exceed 1trn RMB value in 2025 — Official

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By Fortune Abang

The National Alpine Skiing Centre of China has predicted that the country’s ice-snow sector would exceed one trillion RMB value in 2025.

The Ski instructor at the centre, Xin Dawei, made this known on Wednesday at a global virtual news conference organised by the centre.

He described 2025 as the busiest snow season.

Xin lauded China for capturing both domestic and international investments to become the world’s fastest-growing winter sports market.

He said that, although the world was undergoing a plateau phase, China recorded huge increments for international businesses.

“Two months ago, China released guidelines to boost the ice and snow economy with the aim to grow it into a 1.2 trillion-yuan industry by 2027,” he said.

According to him, the number of instructors at the centre has grown this year to meet the fast-rising demand.

He added that hiring was still going on.

Xin further said, “Youngsters venture into the snow fields inspired by Winter Olympic super idols, such as Eileen Gu and Yiming Su; many are also driven by their skilful friends or partners.

“Riding the Olympics wave, China’s ice and snow sector is expected to exceed the mark of 1 trillion RMB this year, up from 970 billion RMB in 2024.

“In 2015, when China won the bid for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, the figure was 270 billion RMB.”

He identified JD.com as an e-commerce platform for Chinese device buyers, sales of ski-related gears in 2024, which recorded remarkable growth with sales of ski goggles.

Others, he said, are snowshoes and snowboards, which have increased by not less than 80 per cent year-on-year.

Xin further quoted Mr Xie Jinhong, an official of winter sports sales at JD.com, as saying that Southern China sales had surged by over 100 per cent in Fujian, Anhui, Guangxi, Hunan and Guangdong provinces.

He also said that the current snow season was estimated to attract not less than 500 million visitors to ice and snow resorts, up from 385 million last season.

Xin quoted Mr Benny Wu, Vice-President of Beijing Ski Association and author of 2023-2024 China Ski Industry White Book, as saying that youngsters make up a significant portion of the winter sports participants.

“Winter camps are attracting tens of thousands of students in Chongli, one of the host locations of the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games, when compared to less than the past.

“Skiing schools are also burgeoning in China; China has become the world’s largest indoor ski market, home to over half of the world’s total and six out of the ten biggest ones globally.

“Breaking the limits of terrain and season, indoor venues offer convenient, round-the-year choices for city dwellers, especially in places where there are few mountains to develop,” Benny said.

Xin further quoted Lisa Zhang, General Manager, Marketing Department, Bonski, the largest indoor ski resort in Southern China, as saying that indoor skiing has been integrated into citizens’ lives.

“Sales of family tickets hiked by 66.5 per cent in the past five years with the number of preschoolers escalating 20 times,” Lisa said. (NAN)

Edited by Mark Longyen

Metro

FCT, China to strengthen cooperation in urban devt. education, others

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By Philip Yatai

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) and Hunan, a landlocked province of southern China, have expressed commitment to strengthen cooperation in urban development, cultural education, tourism, and environment, amongst other areas.

The Minister of State, FCT, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, stated this during a visit of the Hunan delegation to the FCTA in Abuja on Friday.

The delegation was led by Lai Mingyong, the Vice Chairman, of the Hunan Provincial Political Consultative Conference.

Mahmoud stressed that the strategic partnership between FCTA and the Chinese province would ensure expertise, resources, and knowledge sharing.

“This will lead to greater innovation, effective problem-solving, and enhanced capabilities that would be difficult to achieve alone.

“It is important that partnership fosters mutual benefit, strengthens individual and collective efforts, and promotes growth and resilience,” she said.

The minister said that the FCT was transforming President Bola Tinubu.

She added that the partnership with Hanan Province would facilitate more infrastructural development in the capital city of the most populous country in Africa.

The minister commended the Chinese delegation for the warm reception extended to FCT Minister Nyesom Wike and his delegation during his recent visit to China.

She also said that the partnership would enable the FCT to harness its potential in the areas of tourism, culture, education, and environment.

Earlier, Mingyong, who expressed commitment to strengthening the partnership with FCTA, noted that Abuja, the capital and political-cultural centre of Nigeria was wearing a new look.

He said that the capital city was renowned for its unique urban planning, beautiful architectural style, and well-developed infrastructure.

“This city has grown into a modern metropolis with significant achievements in terms of infrastructural development,” he said.

Mingyong invited the FCT Administration to the China-Africa Economy and Trade Expo, taking place from Nov. 28 to Nov. 30, at the Abuja Trade and Convention centre. (NAN)

Edited by Emmanuel Yashim

Economy/Business

Nigeria, China strengthen bilateral ties to drive economic development, Innovation

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By Lucy Ogalue

The Federal Government of Nigeria and the People’s Republic of China have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening bilateral relations, with a focus on driving economic development, infrastructure growth, and technological innovation.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, said this at the Nigeria-China Economic and Trade Partnership Forum Roundtable in Abuja on Monday.

Tuggar, represented by Amb. Bolaji Akinremi, Director, Economic and Trade Infrastructure Department (ETID), said that the relationship between the two nations had evolved significantly over the years.

He reiterated the importance of the recently established Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between both countries, adding that the partnership would strengthen trade, investment, and capacity-building initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable development.

“The establishment of this partnership marks a milestone in the relations between our two countries.

“It is an opportunity for us to collaborate more extensively in key areas like infrastructure development, trade, investment, capacity building, and people-to-people exchanges,” he said.

The minister further assured participants that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would continue to facilitate closer cooperation with Chinese counterparts and relevant stakeholders.

He said that efforts would be intensified, to ensure that projects under the new partnership were successfully implemented.

Also speaking, Mr Joseph Tegbe, Director-General of the China-Nigeria Strategic Partnership, expressed optimism about the future of the two nations’ economic collaboration.

According to Tegbe, the relationship between Nigeria and China has been built on mutual respect, shared goals, and the pursuit of joint development for over 50 years.

“Over the years, we have seen significant progress in areas like infrastructure, trade, energy, health and education.

“Our relationship is not just about economic growth, but also about creating opportunities that will benefit both countries and the people,” he said

He emphasised the critical role of strategic coordination between both governments, adding that sectors like agriculture, mining, alternative energy, and healthcare would receive priority attention under the partnership.

He also reiterated Nigeria’s commitment to advancing industrialisation and moving towards a net-export position, positioning China as a key partner in this effort.

Mr Zhang Liang, Head of the Chinese delegation and Secretary-General of the LVY Road International Cooperation Center, expressed China’s firm support for strengthening the bilateral relationship.

According to him, China and Nigeria have a shared vision for development and prosperity, thus the need to deepen collaboration.

“China and Nigeria, as two major developing countries, have long respected each other and worked together to achieve common progress.

“With our strengthened comprehensive strategic partnership, we are confident that we can usher in a new era of cooperation, benefiting not only our nations but also the broader Global South,” Liang stated.

He restated the importance of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), which had elevated China-Nigeria relations and opened new avenues for collaboration.

Liang also praised the China-Nigeria Economic and Trade Conference, which provided Nigerian and Chinese businesses a platform to engage in fruitful discussions aimed at advancing trade and investment.

He, therefore, encouraged the facilitation of in-depth negotiations, strengthened cooperation and early implementation of projects to achieve the goals of both countries.

Also, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Amb. Nura Rimi , said that Nigeria sought deeper cooperation with China in agriculture, mining, renewable energy and technology sectors, among others.

According to Rimi, Nigeria has enacted various policies to enable it to attract investments and promote responsible, inclusive and sustainable trade and investment growth.

He urged the Chinese businesses to view Nigeria as an ideal investment destination, emphasising its position as Africa’s largest economy and a gateway to other regions.

He therefore expressed hope that the forum would foster stronger relations between the two nations and lead to fruitful discussions on strategic partnerships and investments.

Mr Khalil Halilu, Chief Executive Officer, National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure (NASENI), said that the presence of over 20 Chinese companies at the forum was a testament of the opportunities in Nigeria.

He expressed optimism that the partnership would contribute significantly to the growth and development of both countries.

The Director-General, Rural Electrification Energy of Nigeria, Mr Abba Aliyu, while stating the mandate of the agency, also expressed confidence in the collaboration with China.

He said that the agency signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with China during President Bola Tinubu’s visit, adding that the agency had begun the process of implementation of the projects.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the event was attended by government officials, Heads of Agencies, representatives of companies from Nigeria and China, stakeholders, and partners among others. (NAN)

Edited by Kadiri Abdulrahman

Foreign

China to deepen trade ties with Europe, says Economist

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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

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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

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