The Federal Government of Nigeria has said it is ready to engage in cultural exchanges with China to unlock new economic opportunities.
The Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), Otunba Biodun Ajiboye disclosed this at a Seminar themed “Advancing Culture and Tourism Exchange in BRI Cooperation” held in Abuja on Friday.
He said the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) could stimulate tourism, revenue generation, job creation and cultural preservation.
“As a powerful catalyst for economic growth, job creation and cultural preservation, promoting tourism within the Belt and Road Initiative framework can unlock new opportunities for our economies and communities.
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“We are committed to collaborating with our Chinese counterparts to develop mutually beneficial joint projects, exchange programmes and initiatives that contribute positively to both countries.
“The Belt and Road Initiative therefore provides a robust framework for such exchanges, enabling us to share our rich cultural heritage with the world while embracing the diverse cultures of our partners,” Ajiboye said.
He said China had demonstrated its ability to navigate national development using culture as a tool to propel its fortunes, adding that Nigeria would emulate the worthy feat.
China on its part reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening tourism and cultural exchanges with Nigeria within the framework of BRI.
Mr Li Xuda, the Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, who said such cultural exchanges would promote the bilateral relations between the two countries, listed the five core principles of the BRI as Policy Coordination, Infrastructure Connectivity, Trade Facilitation, Financial Integration and People-to-People Bonds.
“The aspect of people-to-people bonds extends beyond cultural and tourism interaction to fostering mutual understanding and respect among the diverse nations and regions involved in the BRI cooperation.
“Both China and Nigeria boast of rich cultural legacies and abundant tourism resources.
“Over the past six years, our partnership in the BRI has deepened our bilateral exchanges significantly.
“I am confident that our cultural and tourism pursuits will receive a further boost in the next phase of the high-quality BRI construction, leading to the bridging of existing gaps in our exchanges,” he said.
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