A Nigerian traders’ association has commended tthe Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos for facilitating the participation of its executives in a seminar on bamboo and rattan, while seeking further collaboration in humanitarian healthcare, technology training, education and trade.

The association also sought the support of the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos for its members to benefit from training in Artificial Intelligence (AI), scholarship opportunities and international trade programmes.

National President of the association, Oluwole Samuel Adigun, made the requests in a formal communication to the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of China in Lagos.

He said the knowledge acquired from the seminar on bamboo and rattan would be applied to benefit members of the association and their communities while strengthening economic cooperation between Nigeria and China.

The traders’ body also commended the Chinese authorities for their commitment to humanitarian services and the welfare of vulnerable people.

It appealed to the Consulate to support or facilitate a cataract treatment programme for less privileged residents within its area of jurisdiction in Lagos.

According to the association, the initiative would restore the sight of vulnerable people who cannot afford cataract surgery and improve their quality of life.

It said it was willing to work with the Consulate to identify deserving beneficiaries and coordinate the proposed medical outreach.

The association further requested that qualified members be considered for the Chinese Government’s initiative to train 5,000 Nigerians in Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies.

It also appealed for its qualified members to benefit from undergraduate and master’s degree scholarship opportunities offered by the Chinese Government.

The association said access to the programmes would improve the skills and capacity of its members and enable them to contribute more effectively to Nigeria’s economic and technological development.
On trade, it sought the Consulate’s assistance in facilitating the participation of its members in major international trade exhibitions in China.

It specifically expressed interest in the China Import and Export Fair, popularly known as the Canton Fair, scheduled to hold in Guangzhou from October 15 to November 4, 2026, and the China International Import Expo (CIIE), scheduled for November 5 to 10, 2026, in Shanghai.

The association said participation in the exhibitions would enable its members, who operate across different states and engage in various trading activities, to establish business contacts, explore new markets and develop investment partnerships.

It added that stronger engagement with Chinese businesses could promote technology transfer, expand market opportunities and deepen bilateral trade relations between Nigeria and China.

The association reaffirmed its commitment to promoting trade and economic cooperation among its members and expressed confidence that the longstanding relationship between Nigeria and China would continue to grow through stronger partnerships and shared economic interests.

It appreciated the Chinese Government and its representatives for their continued friendship and support for Nigeria, pledging to uphold the values of cooperation, excellence and mutual respect.