Osun partners China on ICT commerce

From Fisayo Akinduro, Osogbo
|
In a bid to make Osun state an economic hub and create enabling environment for investors, the state government has partnered the Republic of China on ICT, Agriculture, Mining and Commerce.

This was disclosed during a courtesy visit by the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Zhou Pingjian to the office of the governor in Osogbo.

The state governor, Gboyega Oyetola said the partnership with the Chinese government will help the state to actualize her dreams on Public Private Partnership (PPP) and open windows of opportunities for investors to thrive.

The governor said the state is endowed ‎with mineral resources available for investment, adding that the climate is conducive for investors, especially the friendly government policies and stable power supply of up to 18 hours daily.

Oyetola commended the Republic of China for being a reliable partner to the Federal Government.

Oyetola said the state is satisfied with the cooperation that China is extending to Nigeria, noting that China has become an economic power.

“China is always the best in the area of construction and infrastructural development. Our administration is ready to partner with you to drive our investment in all sectors.

“We have specific interest in mining, Information and Communication Technology, education, agriculture, infrastructural development among others.

“We are committed to develop the state by encouraging both local and international investors. This is the way to go and we are resolute to attain this feat.

He appealed to the Chinese government to collaborate with the state to facilitate the completion of the MKO Abiola International Airport in Ido-Osun.

In his address, the Chinese Ambassador Pingjian said his visit to the state is intended to strengthen the existing cordial relations between China and Nigeria and promote cooperation and exchanges at sub-national level.

Pingjian said Osun is doing well in all areas of the economy particularly in the education sector.

“I have seen the quality of the schools built around the state and I have seen so many reasons to invest in this state.

“We are inspired by what we saw and we are ready to partner with the state in so many areas, most importantly in the education, infrastructure, commerce and industry sectors.

“As you all know that our laws regulate foreign investment to encourage socio-economic partnership, so our visit to Osun will help to explore opportunity for investment.

The ambassador said China is determined to continue to act as a bridge of industrialisation between China and Nigeria, particularly at a time Nigeria is promoting economic diversification.

He said it will encourage made in Nigeria products and as well strengthen investment drive of the state and Nigeria as a whole.

Members of the Chinese delegation on the visit are: Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, Mr Zhou Xikang; Chinese Embassy Political Officer, Mr Huang Shumsing and Officials of the ‎CCECC Construction Firm‎, Mr Zhao Kang and Mr Zhao Sicong.