‘Nigeria to witness influx of Chinese tourists’

On the sidelines of the China-Africa FOCAC Summit in Beijing, the Cultural Councillor of the Chinese embassy in Nigeria, Li XuDa has predicted huge influx of Chinese tourists into Nigeria, as fallout of discussions at the high level summit.

Li XuDa in an interactive session with members of the China Alumni community in Abuja, on Monday, assured that the move was part of plans to boost the economic competitiveness of the tourism sector in the country, as espoused by President Xi Jinping at the summit.

He said the ‘people to people’ cultural exchange will be intensified between Africa and China, focusing on Nigeria’s potentials in that sector.

“We are looking forward to a higher level of cooperation between both countries especially an increase in the number of Chinese tourists to Nigeria in the nearest future.

“Nigeria plays a very important role in the Africa-China relationship, and I want to congratulate the US on the historic 2018 FOCAC Beijing Summit; it is expected to be a new starting point for boosting the Africa-China cooperation.”

Mr XuDa cited Xi Jinping’s promises at the 2018 FOCAC Beijing summit towards greater commitment in the areas of capacity building and cultural exchange programmes between China and Africa.

“China will also provide 50,000 government scholarships for Africans and invite about 2,000 African youths to visit China for exchanges,” he added.

On increasing acceptance and understanding of African cultures, he said China will also set up an institute of African studies, silk and road international museum alliance and the network of Silk Road arts festivals.

He added that the 18 years bilateral engagement with Africa has become a banner for international cooperation worldwide.

Focusing on the need to promote the Cultural understanding and exchange between both nations the DG, National Council of Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe called for the establishment of cultural centres across the country, describing it the best way to showcase our cultural heritage.