The forum, taking place during the 140th Canton Fair, one of the largest trade exhibitions globally, aims to forge connections between Nigeria and prominent Chinese investors, manufacturers, and business leaders in key sectors. NACCIMA’s Public Relations Officer, Mrs. Madinat Adigun-Oladotun, highlighted that this initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which seeks to establish Nigeria as a preferred site for investment and industrial development.

Adigun-Oladotun emphasized the necessity for Nigeria to transition from a consumption-driven economy to one focused on value addition and local manufacturing. She stated, “Nigeria has the population, natural resources, entrepreneurial spirit, and strategic location to serve as the gateway to the African market.” To become an economic powerhouse, Nigeria must prioritize local manufacturing, innovate, process value-added products, and reduce reliance on imports. She argues that achieving this industrial ambition will demand increased investment, enhanced infrastructure, better access to financing, advanced technology, and robust international collaborations.

NACCIMA initiated the Guangzhou Business and Investment Forum to cultivate long-lasting partnerships with trustworthy Chinese investors committed to aiding Nigeria’s industrial transformation. The success of previous forums has enhanced collaborations with the China Chamber of International Commerce (CCOIC) in Guangzhou, supported by Nigeria’s Consul General, Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas. These collaborations have already begun to unlock investment prospects in various sectors, including automobile and electric vehicle manufacturing, agribusiness, renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and industrial park development.

Adigun-Oladotun urged participation from federal, state, and local governments, alongside private sector stakeholders, in the trade mission to attract high-quality investments, promote technology transfer, enhance local manufacturing, and generate sustainable employment opportunities. Describing Guangzhou as a prominent manufacturing and commercial center, she encouraged Nigerian businesses to utilize the platform for forming strategic partnerships that could accelerate the country’s industrialization and economic progress.