posted November 27, 2023
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, was invited to the Belt and Road Investment Forum in China. This forum is a global economic conference, and Edo State was the only subnational government invited to speak.
While giving his presentation at the global stage in Fuzhou, China, Governor Obaseki used the platform to highlight the numerous opportunities available in Edo State’s energy and petrochemical sectors. He encouraged investors to take advantage of these opportunities, leveraging the business-friendly reforms implemented by his government to promote trade and investment expansion.
The event took place in Fuzhou, the largest city in Fujian Province. This city is of significance as many Chinese companies operating in Edo State are headquartered there.
Over 150 countries were in attendance with Edo State as the only sub-national government invited to speak at the 10th Anniversary of the Belt and Road Global Chambers of Commerce and Associations Conference.
Governor Obaseki expressed the commitment of his administration to strengthen the business relationship with the Chinese business community. Edo State is noted to be the third state in Nigeria, after Lagos and Ogun, with the largest number of Chinese companies.
The governor highlighted Edo State’s fast-growing reputation as the energy and petrochemical hub of Nigeria. This reputation is said to be a significant attraction for potential Chinese investors, particularly in the area of affordable gas exploration.
According to him, through a strategic partnership with the state government, the Chinese business community in Edo State has seen steady growth. The number of Chinese companies in the state has increased, with a focus on manufacturing various products such as steels, tiles, roofs, ceramics, wood, and hosting the largest glass company in West Africa.
He further noted, “We have also been fortunate to reap the numerous benefits of the Belt and Road Initiative because we now have flourishing industrial development in Edo State. Thanks to the numerous industrial companies from China, led by Rongsheng Steel Companies which has significantly promoted industrial development in my State and created numerous jobs.”
In addition to his plenary remarks at the opening ceremony of the Belt and Road Global Chambers of Commerce and Associations Conference, Governor Obaseki is scheduled to hold close-door meetings with the Fuzhou business community.
The important takeaway is that, Governor Obaseki consciously marketed Edo State as an attractive destination for Chinese investors, emphasizing the state’s potential in the energy and petrochemical sectors and highlighting the existing positive business relationships between Edo State and Chinese companies.