Yuqing: Deep Sea Port Project will Generate $360bn, Creates 170,000 Jobs

Kayode Tokede

The Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos, Ms. Yan Yuqing, has said the construction of the largest deep-sea port in West Africa by the China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC) would create a total economic benefit of nearly $360 billion and 170,000 jobs.

Yuqing said that port would open up new prospects for Nigeria’s economic development.

The Consul General who made this known in her new year speech titled, “Building a China-Africa Community with a Shared Future,” said that the construction of the Lagos Rail Mass Transit Blue Line and Red Line by the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) has effectively upgraded local traffic conditions and greatly enhanced local people’s well-being.

According to her, “In the past months since I assumed my duty as the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, I have witnessed a delicate Chinese-African cooperation work of art unfolding on this Continent of Hope.

“I have also experienced first-hand how the China-Africa community with a shared future has taken root and flourished among both peoples. With support from the Chinese Consulate, Chinese communities and enterprises, such as the Huaxing Art Troupe Nigeria, have carried out the charity event called “Renewed Hope, Rebirth from the Light” to help cataract patients, which demonstrated the deep love and affection of the overseas Chinese to Nigerian brothers and sisters.

“I often took part in cultural exchange activities together with overseas Chinese communities under the theme of “Nigeria & China Cultural Exchange: Onsite School Activities”, and I made full use of these chances to interact with teachers and students. From them, I see Nigeria’s hope and future, and feel even more confident about the future of building a China-Africa community with a shared future.”

“The world is big, big enough for people from different countries and regions to share their long history, brilliant culture and traditional customs with each other while maintaining their own characteristics; the world is also small, small enough for all passengers on this ship to sail through stormy waves together. As long as we work hand in hand, I believe we will be able to push forward this promising vision towards brighter future, “said Yuqing.