By Usman Usman Garba
Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano State has signed an agreement for the promotion of investment and business between Kano State and Fujian Province of people’s Republic of China.
The governor disclosed this during the China-Nigeria Business Dialogue held at Chinese Embassy, Abuja. Ganduje said promoting investments and other businesses through dialogue between the two nations is vital as China has the largest number of foreign in Nigeria, adding the country would greatly benefit from Nigeria’s oil and gas to support its industries.
He said, “Kano is a commercial hub of Northern Nigeria and other West African countries since 15th century.
The Chinese investments in manufacturing and trading can be seen all over in the state, ranging from multi billion Naira investments (for example Lee group of companies); restaurants (Chinese/Peking Restaurant) and traders that have dominated the textile markets in Kano.
’ According to the governor, opportunities for investment in Kano State includes Agribusiness, Industries, Health Care, Tourism, Energy, Mining and Education.
Governor Ganduje, who said that his administration was ready to work with the Chinese Embassy, however stated that there are some challenges capable of destroying the relation between the state and China.
He added, “We have a cordial business relationship with the Chinese business community in Kano state. However, some members (Chinese) engaged themselves in retailing business and eventually displaced our local retailers who are being pushed out of business with no means of livelihood.
“Again some Chinese traders are in the habit of copying products that are being manufactured locally, produce similar products and supply same to the market with a cheaper price (due to the difference in technological advancement and the cost of production), this also help in pushing the locals out of business as well as dislocating our local industrial development.
These practices do not augur well with people and the government of the Kano state.”
