By Yinka Kolawole

The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has intensified efforts to strengthen bilateral trade and industrial cooperation with China, as its delegation embarked on a strategic tour of major manufacturing and commercial hubs in Guangzhou.

Led by its National President, Engr. Jani Ibrahim, the delegation visited Wanli Tire Corporation Limited and Guangda Fashion World, two prominent industrial and commercial establishments in the Chinese city.

The visit came on the heels of the successful NACCIMA Business and Investment Forum, which culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between NACCIMA and the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade, Guangzhou (CCOIC Guangzhou), aimed at boosting economic collaboration between both countries.

At Wanli Tire Corporation Limited, a leading tyre manufacturer under the Guangzhou Industrial Investment Holding Group, the delegation was taken through the company’s production processes. The firm, reputed to be one of the largest producers of passenger car radial tyres globally, boasts an annual production capacity of 36 million units.

Speaking after the tour, Ibrahim described the facility as strategic to China’s industrial strength, commending its scale and efficiency.

“We have gone round the facility, and all I can say is that Wanli is an important company here in Guangzhou. We appreciate the Consul-General, Ambassador Mairo Musa Abbas, for facilitating this visit. 

Our engagement in Guangzhou would not have been complete without seeing this facility,” he said.

He invited the company to consider expanding its footprint to Nigeria, noting that such a move would open access to the wider African market. According to him, NACCIMA stands ready to support prospective investors in navigating Nigeria’s business environment.

The delegation also toured Guangda Fashion World, a vast commercial complex housing clothing, footwear, and leather goods stores, showcasing a wide range of global brands.

Ibrahim urged Nigeria to emulate China’s production-driven economy, stressing the need to position the country as a manufacturing and trading hub for Africa.

“The markets are clean, expansive, and well organised. These are people producing for the world. Nigeria must learn from this and begin to produce for Africa, creating wholesale hubs that attract buyers from across the continent,” he said.

NACCIMA said the tour provided critical insights into advanced manufacturing systems and supply chains, reinforcing its commitment to promoting industrial partnerships, technology transfer, and increased investment flows between Nigeria and China.