NAQS, CHINESE DELEGATION EXPLORE MORE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO CHINA

NAQS, CHINESE DELEGATION EXPLORE MORE PARTNERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES TO BOOST AGRICULTURAL EXPORTS TO CHINA

 

The Comptroller General of the Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS), Dr. Vincent Isegbe, today received a delegation from the Embassy of the People's Republic of China at the Service Headquarters, Abuja, to deepen bilateral cooperation in agricultural trade, quarantine systems, and market access. The delegation was led by Counselor Minister Wang Yingji and included Counselor Sun Xirekun, Second Secretary He Zhengbiao, and Second Secretary Duan Yun. 

A major focus of the meeting was the ongoing process towards the signing of the Protocol on the Export of Wild Aquatic Resources from Nigeria to China, a strategic initiative championed by the Comptroller General to open another export market for Nigerian aquatic products. Once concluded, the Protocol is expected to significantly increase the volume and value of Nigeria's aquatic exports to China, creating new opportunities for exporters, strengthening the fisheries value chain, generating employment, and contributing to the country's non-oil export earnings.

Both parties also held fruitful discussions on strengthening collaboration to facilitate the export of Nigerian agricultural commodities to the Chinese market. Deliberations focused on improving compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, enhancing quarantine cooperation, and addressing technical requirements that will enable more Nigerian agricultural products to access China's vast consumer market.

The Comptroller General reaffirmed NAQS' commitment to working closely with Chinese authorities and stakeholders to promote safe agricultural trade, protect plant and animal health, and support Nigerian exporters in meeting destination-country requirements. He noted that expanding market access for Nigerian produce aligns with the Federal Government's commitment to economic diversification, increased non-oil exports, and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR.

The Chinese delegation commended NAQS for its sustained efforts in strengthening Nigeria's agricultural biosecurity and expanding