Nigerians should see the Chinese in Nigeria as explorers of investment and business opportunities and not exploiters, according to a Professor of Economics, Olufemi Saibu.
Saibu told the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Lagos on Tuesday that it was important for more Nigerians to see the Chinese people as partners in progress.
The Director of the Institute of Nigeria-China Development Studies at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) said that it was vitally important that Nigerians began to understand the Chinese people.
“We need to know that the major aim of the Chinese in Nigeria, like other countries, is not to exploit, but to explore opportunities that are available to them in this country.
“We need to know that the Chinese in Nigeria are guided by their nationalism, as well as their personal sustainability.
“It is also left for us to tell the Chinese that as they are in Nigeria for business that we also want to engage with them to promote our business and national interests.
“We also need to work at building more understanding and trust between Nigerian and Chinese institutions, as well as promote a Win-Win cooperation between us,’’ he said.
The professor of Economics said that it would also be good for Nigerians and Chinese to change their mindsets and be open during their negotiations and business transactions.
Saibu said that the Institute was inaugurated by the Chinese Association for Investment and Promotion, and the University of Lagos, to provide an appropriate platform for Nigerian and Chinese companies.
According to him, many Chinese companies are already looking for more business opportunities in Nigeria and the right people to engage with.
“In line with its mandate, the Institute is already building collaborations with Chinese institutions, universities, companies and the government of China.
“We are also already relating much more with Chinese companies in Lagos, Calabar and other Nigerian cities, to let them see the existing opportunities for them.
“We want them to have a better understanding of the Nigerian business and Investment environment.
“And to successfully do this, we are going to research more into businesses that Nigeria and China can do on mutually beneficial basis,” he said.
The institute of Nigeria-China Development Studies (NCDS), is a research institute established in November 2018, to inject new vitality into Nigeria-China development, as well as a collaboration to strengthen the relationship between both countries.
NAN
