China has announced expanded market access for African products and increased employment opportunities for Nigerian youths as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations beyond traditional diplomatic engagement.
Speaking at the event, Minister Counselor Zhou Hongyou of the Chinese Embassy disclosed that China recently introduced zero tariffs on all products from 13 African countries with diplomatic ties to Beijing, while also enhancing its “green channel” system to facilitate the entry of more African goods into the Chinese market.
Zhou said the measures were designed to strengthen economic cooperation and create more opportunities for African countries in global trade.
He urged young people from both nations to embrace openness and inclusiveness, stressing that international cooperation should be viewed as a collective effort in addressing global challenges.
According to him, youths have a critical role to play in sustaining dialogue, sharing development experiences and translating discussions into tangible socio-economic benefits.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Youth Development, the Director of Education and Youth Development, Despan Kwardem, commended participants and thanked the Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) for ensuring corps members were involved in the engagement.