SON HOSTS CHINA-AFRICA ECONOMIC AND TRADE PROMOTION COUNCIL TO BOOST TRADE IN NIGERIA
As parts of efforts to strengthen alliance in trade facilitation, the Director General/ Chief Executive of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Ifeanyi Chukwunonso Okeke hosted the China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council at the SON Corporate Headquarters in Abuja recently.
Addressing the council members, the Director General emphasized the necessity of collaborative efforts in improving standardization in trade between China and Africa.
Mr. Biltom Tan, Special Invited Researcher, noted that China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council is committed to promoting trade between China and Africa. He added that goods must meet unified standards before entering Nigerian markets, identifying the importance of standardization in trade.
Discussions during the visit centered on monitoring goods entering the market, research and development of trade solutions and recognizing opportunities for advancing bilateral trade between Nigeria and China. The two parties perused ways to enhance trade facilitation and cooperation.
Representing the SON DG, the Director, Standards Development Department, Engr. Bukar Yahya, stated that the collaboration marks a significant step towards strengthening trade relations between Nigeria and China and assured the council that the Organisation will consider their proposals and work towards a mutually beneficial collaboration.
He also informed the council that a committee has been set up to monitor the activities and ensure the success of the partnership.
The potential areas of collaboration between SON Team and China-Africa Economic and Trade Promotion Council delegation include agriculture, manufacturing, training, infrastructure, power/energy, and mineral resources as these areas hold significant potential for growth and development in Nigeria.