The Governor of Cross River State, Senator Bassey Otu on Friday hosted the Chinese Consul General, Ms. Yan Yuqing, at his office in Calabar. The meeting, in line with the deep-rooted collaboration between Cross River State and China, was marked by the donation of anti-malaria drugs worth N35 million, a gesture Governor Otu described as timely and impactful.
The governor commended the Chinese delegation for their unwavering support, emphasizing that the donation would bolster the state’s efforts to combat malaria, a major public health challenge. He highlighted the long-standing relationship between Cross River and China, applauding the Chinese community’s contributions to the state’s industrial, trade, and cultural development.
Governor Otu expressed his administration’s commitment to fostering a safe and welcoming environment for residents and visitors, including the Chinese community. He stressed the state’s openness to partnerships that align with its development goals, particularly in areas such as infrastructure, trade, and tourism.
Discussions during the visit extended to potential future collaborations, including attracting Chinese investors to the Calabar Free Trade Zone and enhancing the global appeal of the iconic Calabar Carnival. The governor also advocated for large-scale infrastructure projects that could drive economic growth and further solidify the partnership.
Ms. Yan Yuqing, the Chinese Consul General in Lagos, praised Cross River State for its rich cultural heritage and vast investment opportunities. She reaffirmed China’s commitment to strengthening ties with Nigeria, noting the state’s potential to lead in trade, agriculture, vocational education, and infrastructure.
“China recognizes the immense potential of Nigeria and Cross River State to achieve remarkable progress, and we are committed to supporting this journey,” Ms. Yan stated.
Accompanying the Consul General were prominent representatives, including Mr. Qi Chenjun of CCECC Nigeria, Mr. Yang Wenyi from the Chinese community in Cross River, and Mr. Fan Yongsheng of Mutual Commitment Company Limited.
This partnership signals a promising future for Cross River State, as it continues to build on its strategic relationship with China to drive development and innovation.
