The Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in Abuja has reaffirmed its dedication to promoting tourism and cultural exchange with Nigeria as part of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). This commitment aims to strengthen bilateral relations between the two nations.
The pledge was made during a seminar titled “Promoting Culture and Tourism Exchange in BRI Cooperation,” jointly hosted by the Chinese Embassy, the China Alumni Association of Nigeria, and the University of Abuja over the weekend.
Mr. Li Xuda, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, emphasized the significance of fostering people-to-people ties between China and Nigeria. He highlighted that cultural and tourism exchange plays a crucial role in societal progress and national development. Li detailed that the BRI’s “Five Cooperation Priorities” include Policy Coordination, Facilities Connectivity, Unimpeded Trade, Financial Integration, and People-to-People Bond, with the latter extending beyond mere cultural and tourism exchanges to build common understanding and respect among nations.
“The people-to-people bond, one of the five cooperation priorities of the BRI, transcends culture and tourism exchange and seeks to build common understanding out of respect for countries and regions in its big family,” said Li. “Both China and Nigeria are cultural giants with ancient civilizations and rich tourism resources. Since six years ago, China and Nigeria became close partners in jointly building BRI, which has deepened and made our bilateral exchange more practical. I firmly believe that our culture and tourism will be further promoted in the new stage of high-quality joint construction of BRI, bridging some of our cultural gaps and exchange barriers.”
Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Secretary and CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), expressed gratitude for the Chinese government’s ongoing support in developing Nigeria’s culture and tourism sector. He noted Nigeria’s rich natural and cultural attractions, from the stunning landscapes of its national parks to historic landmarks and vibrant cities, and emphasized the need to leverage the BRI to enhance tourism infrastructure and promote sustainable practices.
“We must leverage the BRI to enhance our tourism infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism practices, and create unique cultural experiences for visitors,” Ajiboye stated. “By doing so, we can attract more tourists, generate revenue, and create jobs while preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage. We will work closely with our Chinese counterparts to develop joint projects, exchange programs, and collaborative initiatives that benefit both countries.”
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by the Chinese government in 2013, is a global infrastructure development strategy aimed at investing in over 150 countries and international organizations. Through this initiative, China and Nigeria aim to foster closer cultural and tourism ties, contributing to mutual understanding and economic growth.
