By ebosele@hotmail.com –
The Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Service (NAQS) and the People’s Republic of China have strengthened bilateral cooperation aimed at expanding agricultural trade, improving quarantine systems and increasing market access for Nigerian agricultural products.
The Comptroller General of NAQS, Dr. Vincent Isegbe, reaffirmed the Service’s commitment to the partnership on Tuesday while receiving a delegation from the Chinese Embassy at the NAQS Headquarters in Abuja.
The Chinese delegation was led by Counselor Minister Wang Yingji and included Counselor Sun Xirekun, Second Secretary He Zhengbiao and Second Secretary Duan Yun.
A major highlight of the meeting was the ongoing process towards signing 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.
According to NAQS, the agreement, when concluded, is expected to significantly increase the volume and value of Nigeria’s aquatic exports to China, create new opportunities for exporters, strengthen the fisheries value chain, generate employment and boost the country’s non-oil export earnings.
The two sides also discussed measures to facilitate the export of more Nigerian agricultural commodities to the Chinese market, with emphasis on improving compliance with international sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) standards, enhancing quarantine cooperation and addressing technical requirements necessary for market access.
Dr. Isegbe reaffirmed NAQS’ commitment to working closely with Chinese authorities and other stakeholders to promote safe agricultural trade, safeguard plant and animal health and support Nigerian exporters in meeting destination-country requirements.
He noted that expanding international market access for Nigerian agricultural produce is in line with the Federal Government’s drive for economic diversification, increased non-oil exports and the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Chinese delegation commended NAQS for its sustained efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s agricultural biosecurity system and expand agricultural trade, while expressing confidence that the growing partnership would further enhance trade relations between both countries and create mutual economic benefits.
