NGX Chair calls for stronger China-Africa ties at Economic and Trade Expo
Stories by Seun Ibiyemi
The Chairman of Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX), Dr Umaru Kwairanga, has praised China’s economic strides and called for stronger collaboration between China and Africa to drive mutual growth and global influence.
Kwairanga made the remarks while speaking at the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, currently taking place from June 11 to June 14 at the Changsha International Conference Centre in Hunan Province, China.
In a statement issued on Friday, the NGX Chairman applauded China’s rapid transformation, describing it as a model of visionary economic planning that has positioned the country as a dominant force in the global economy.
“From what I have observed in the few days we have spent in your remarkable country, I am more convinced than ever that China has fully realised its potential and now stands as a global leader,” Kwairanga said.
He credited China’s rise to its strategic investments in human capital, infrastructure, and financial systems. “You possess the human resources, the financial capacity, the infrastructure, and the vision to lead the global economy in the 21st century,” he noted.
Kwairanga, however, argued that China’s continued global prominence would benefit from deeper engagement with Africa, a continent he said is rich in both natural and human resources.
“To maintain that leadership, China needs Africa. Africa is uniquely positioned with the assets to emerge as the next frontier of global development,” he said.
He described the expo as a valuable platform for mutual learning and collaboration. “Events like this are more than just symbolic. They provide us with an opportunity to draw lessons from China’s success and open discussions on practical partnerships that can accelerate Africa’s development while reinforcing China’s role in global leadership,” he stated.
Kwairanga also praised the diversity and quality of participants at the expo, expressing optimism that the deliberations would yield tangible benefits for enterprises and communities across both regions.
He extended his gratitude to the event organisers for their hospitality towards the African delegation and conveyed best wishes to all participants for a successful and impactful engagement.
The China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo serves as a multilateral forum that brings together government officials, business executives, and development stakeholders to explore new opportunities for trade, investment, and technological cooperation between China and African nations.