By Helen Udo,Abuja -NIGERIA.
Mr. Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, Spokesperson of Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, expressed deep appreciation to the Academy of International Business Officials (AIBO) in Beijing for organizing the Seminar on Industrial Cooperation and New Industrialization under the Global Development Initiative.
Acknowledgment of Facilitation: He also thanked the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja for facilitating Nigeria’s participation, including nomination and sponsorship of delegates.
Exceptional Hospitality: Ebienfa highlighted the warm reception, comfortable accommodations, and supportive environment provided by AIBO, describing the seminar as intellectually enriching and transformative.
Learning from China: The seminar offered participants a comprehensive understanding of China’s industrial modernization, including industrial policies, technological innovations, and frameworks driving the Global Development Initiative.
Insights for National Development: Ebienfa emphasized that lessons from China’s people-oriented national development plans, effective resource use, and strategic cooperation could help countries like Nigeria achieve sustainable development, improved lifestyles, and prosperity.
Site Visits: The participants visited landmark sites such as the Great Wall, the Museum of the Communist Party of China, Suzhou Industrial Park, and Suzhou Changshu Economic and Technological Zone, observing state-of the art infrastructure, smart facilities, clean energy systems, and skilled personnel.
Call for Action in Africa: He urged Sub-Saharan African countries to apply these lessons, leveraging youthful populations and abundant natural resources to influence policymaking and drive industrial growth.
Global Engagement: The seminar brought together 130 participants from 10 countries across Africa, Asia, Oceania, and Latin America, fostering cross-cultural learning, professional bonding, and shared commitment to peaceful development.
Commitment to Cooperation: Ebienfa assured that the knowledge gained would be applied to enhance industrial cooperation, strengthen bilateral relations, and contribute to a prosperous, inclusive future for all nations.
Special Thanks and Tribute: He concluded by thanking the Chinese Government for supporting capacity building and infrastructure projects in Nigeria, and paid tribute to AIBO leadership and staff for their hospitality, guidance, and safety measures during the program.
