FG partners China on agricultural development, woos Chinese investors

The Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has mapped out plans to partner the Chinese government in the enhancement of agriculture development.

The Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Arc. Sonny Echono, stated this in Abuja while receiving the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Gu Xiaojie in his office.

Echono, who observed that the Chinese agricultural development model suited Nigeria’s Agricultural Transformation Agenda (ATA), said Nigeria was working to improve its milling capacity in rice and cassava.

He added that Nigeria requires support in the establishment of ranches, poultry and textile industry, thereby invited Chinese investors to come and invest in these sectors.

According to Echono, Nigeria was working hard towards increasing productivity, hence the need to develop the Staple Crops Processing Zones (SCPZs). He disclosed that partnership discussion is on-going with some research institutions in China in the area of technology.

He said China has a huge market in cassava chips, hence the need to support Nigeria’s cassava production, saying Nigeria was the world producer of cassava.

According to him, other opportunities for investment include aqua-culture, fishery production and wheat production so as to be able to meet the demands of the local millers.”

The Permanent Secretary also sought support in capacity building, in egg powder production and transfer of technology.

According to the statement, Gu Xiaojie in his remarks, expressed the readiness of the Chinese government to work closely with the government of Nigeria in exploring areas of cooperation since both have large population and markets.

The ambassador suggested the creation of platforms for commercial farmers and technological companies to meet to know the areas of needs so as to meet their individual needs.

He, however, pledged the Chinese government’s readiness to co-operate with Nigeria in the area of technology, economy and anti-corruption.

[ThisDay]

Related Posts

• 

  Over 1,000 firms bid for 2017 railway projects
  Over 1,000 firms bid for 2017 railway projects
• 

  NAICOM moves to enforce compulsory insurance of public buildings
  NAICOM moves to enforce compulsory insurance of public buildings
• 

  Reps ask NPA to reverse termination of agreement with Intels
  Reps ask NPA to reverse termination of agreement with Intels
• 

  SEC suspends Oando shares from stock market
  SEC suspends Oando shares from stock market