NEXHUB Hosts maiden CAETE to strengthen global trade ties

Folalumi Alaran in Abuja

The Nigerian Exporters Hub (NEXHUB) in collaboration with the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), powered by Zeenab Foods, on Thursday, launched the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (CAETE) at the Abuja Trade and Convention Centre.

Running until November 30th, 2024, the event aims to strengthen economic collaboration between Nigeria and China, fostering bilateral trade relations and opening doors to immense growth opportunities.

The expo commenced with a VIP Exhibition, where distinguished guests, including Nigerian government officials, Chinese Embassy representatives, and business leaders, explored a diverse range of products and services spanning technology, agriculture, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

This session facilitated direct engagement between exhibitors and stakeholders, laying the groundwork for future partnerships.

The opening ceremony featured a ribbon-cutting by high-profile dignitaries, symbolizing a unified commitment to enhancing Nigeria-China trade relations. Among the attendees were senior officials from the Nigerian government, the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, industry associations, and international financial institutions.

Key highlights from the opening day included a keynote address by Yu Xiaohong, Vice Chairman of the China International Contractors Association, who emphasized the importance of deepening trade ties and fostering industrialization across Africa. Remarks by Bello Muhammed Goronyo of the Federal Ministry of Works, who underscored Nigeria’s industrial significance as it contributes 20% of Africa’s industrial output.

The Minister of Transportation, Ahmed Alkali, called for increased trade volume between Nigeria and China to unlock the full potential of bilateral trade.

During his speech, Dr. Victor Ayemere, Chairman of the Nigerian Exporters Hub, highlighted the strides made by the Export Trade House in China to ensure Nigerian products meet global standards and advocated for an expanded protocol list to accommodate more commodities.

The president of NACCIMA, Bar. Dele Kelvin Oye. affirmed Nigeria’s position as Africa’s leading trade partner, expressing optimism about the future of Nigeria-China collaboration.

Throughout the day, participants engaged in high-level discussions, business matchmaking sessions, and networking opportunities, reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to driving trade and economic growth on the global stage.

The inaugural CAETE is a testament to NEXHUB’s visionary leadership and dedication to fostering international trade. By creating a robust platform for collaboration, NEXHUB is positioning Nigeria as a key player in Africa-China economic relations.