The People’s Government of Guangdong Province, China, has reaffirmed commitment to strengthening economic and trade cooperation with Nigeria.

The province described the country as its most important trading partner in Africa.

Deputy Director-General of the Foreign Affairs Office, Guangdong Province, He Rusheng, made reaffirmation during a meeting with a Nigerian media delegation in Guangzhou, China.

Mr Rusheng said that bilateral relations continued to flourish following the elevation of China-Nigeria relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership.

The partnership was announced by Chinese President Xi Jinping and Nigerian President Bola Tinubu during the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation.

According to Mr Rusheng, trade between Guangdong Province and Nigeria reached 31.8 billion yuan in 2025, representing a 21.8 per cent increase over the previous year.

He said it also accounted for about 16 per cent of total trade between China and Nigeria.

MrvRusheng, who visited Lagos in July 2025,  said he witnessed first-hand, the city’s vibrant economy.

“Nigeria is one of Guangdong’s most important trading partners in Africa, and I see enormous potential for further cooperation between us. I also truly see the economic vitality of Lagos,” he said.

He noted that Guangdong, China’s largest provincial economy in terms of economic output, foreign trade and population, had become a major global manufacturing and commercial hub through decades of reform.

The official said the province had about 128 million permanent residents and a population of approximately 165 million, while Guangzhou, the provincial capital, had about 25 million residents.

He added that Guangdong recorded a foreign trade volume of 9.5 trillion yuan in 2025, accounting for about one-fifth of China’s total foreign trade.

He attributed the province’s rapid development to China’s reform and opening-up policy, including the establishment of Special Economic Zones in Shenzhen, Zhuhai and Shantou.

According to the official, the province also hosts the renowned Canton Fair, which attracts participants from more than 200 countries and regions, making it one of the world’s largest trade exhibitions.

He said that Guangdong continued to invest heavily in infrastructure development, with about 4,000km of railway lines and an extensive expressway network.

Mr Rusheng described infrastructure connectivity as a key driver of economic growth.

He acknowledged development disparities between different parts of the province.

He, however, said the government had intensified efforts to promote balanced regional development through targeted support for less-developed counties and rural communities.

“Guangdong is a microcosm of China’s development. We value inclusiveness and, although our development is not perfect, we continue to improve our business environment to attract more investors and friends from around the world,” he said.

On behalf of the Nigerian delegation, Editor-in-Chief, Africa-China Economy Magazine, Ikenna Emewu, commended Guangdong Province for longstanding economic relations with Nigeria.

Mr Emewu said  that the province remained central to China-Nigeria commercial relations for decades.

He identified the Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone as one of the most significant outcomes of the bilateral economic cooperation, describing it as one of Nigeria’s largest industrial clusters.

According to him, Guangzhou has historically been regarded as “mini Africa” because of the large number of Africans, particularly Nigerians, residing in the city.

He recalled that during a visit to Guangzhou Port in 2016, the authorities disclosed that about 35 per cent of imports from Africa originated from Lagos, describing it as evidence of strong trade relations between both sides.

Mr Emewu expressed optimism that Guangdong would continue to serve as a welcoming destination for Nigerians and other Africans while supporting greater economic engagement.

He also commended China’s implementation of a zero-tariff policy for eligible African exports.

MrvEmewu expressed confidence that Guangdong would play a leading role in implementing the initiative due to its status as China’s foremost trading province.

(NAN)