This commitment was highlighted during a seminar on “Promoting Culture and Tourism Exchange in BRI Cooperation,” jointly hosted by the Chinese Embassy, China Alumni Association of Nigeria, and the University of Abuja over the weekend.
Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy, Mr. Li Xuda, emphasized the importance of people-to-people ties between China and Nigeria, noting that cultural and tourism exchanges play a crucial role in societal progress and national development. Li outlined the “Five Cooperation Priorities” of the BRI: Policy Coordination, Facilities Connectivity, Unimpeded Trade, Financial Integration, and People-to-People Bond.
“The people-to-people bond, one of the five cooperation priorities of the BRI, extends beyond culture and tourism exchange, fostering mutual understanding and respect among countries and regions,” said Li. “Both China and Nigeria, as cultural giants with rich ancient civilizations and tourism resources, have strengthened their bilateral exchange since becoming close partners in the BRI six years ago.”
Li expressed optimism that the joint construction of the BRI will further promote culture and tourism between the two nations, bridging cultural gaps and exchange barriers.
Executive Secretary/CEO of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye, thanked the Chinese government for its continuous support in developing Nigeria’s culture and tourism sector. Ajiboye highlighted Nigeria’s wealth of natural and cultural attractions, emphasizing the potential for leveraging the BRI to enhance tourism infrastructure, promote sustainable practices, and create unique cultural experiences.
“We must leverage the BRI to enhance our tourism infrastructure, promote sustainable tourism practices, and create unique cultural experiences for visitors. By doing so, we can attract more tourists, generate revenue, and create jobs while preserving and celebrating our cultural heritage,” Ajiboye stated. “We will work closely with our Chinese counterparts to develop joint projects, exchange programs, and collaborative initiatives that benefit both countries.”
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), launched by the Chinese government in 2013, is a global infrastructure development strategy aimed at investing in over 150 countries and international organizations.
