CHINESE VISA ISSUANCE: SENATOR IFEANYI UBAH LEADS DELEGATION OF IGBO MARKET LEADERS TO CHINESE CONSUL GENERAL IN LAGOS.

In furtherance of my call for an effective Chinese Visa issuance policy during my courtesy visit to the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency, Dr. Zhou Pingjian at the Chinese Embassy Abuja. The Chinese Ambassador and other top officials of the Chinese Embassy subsequently hosted me to a dinner session at his official residence where I reaffirmed my commitment to pursuing the agreements reached in our previous meeting.

During the week, I also paid the Chinese Consul General in Lagos; Mr Chao Xiaoliang a courtesy visit with Igbo market leaders and other top ranking members of the Lagos-Igbo business community.

After introducing the market leaders to the Consul General, I emphasized that the Igbo business community in Lagos comprises of enterprising people (over 1million traders), particularly my constituents who are commercially oriented and account for the highest patronage/distribution of Made in China goods in various segments of the Nigerian market, as well as huge potentials for economic development consisting of 100,000 prospective market investors.

While discussing issues aimed at facilitating trade balance and deepening cooperation on issues of common interest, particularly on Visa issuance, I stated that the recurrent visa refusal cases often poses as a stumbling block to genuine and reputable business men/women whose source of livelihood depends on their businesses ventures in China.

I reminded the Consul General that the robust economic progress of the two economies means great potential and more room for bilateral cooperation. We must therefore, treat each other with mutual respect so as to enhance solidarity and partnership while jointly pursuing inclusive development and practical cooperation.

While expressing my sincere thanks and appreciation to the Consul General for his time and cooperation, I expressed belief that the business communities of both countries will seize this good opportunity and work in partnership to realize the common prosperity and promote the economic cooperation and trade between China and Nigeria.

It is therefore my hope that our interactions will further enrich Nigeria-China business relations to foster a win-win cooperation for the wellbeing and prosperity of both countries, as well as make more contributions to global prosperity and progress.

Delegation of Lagos Market leaders who went with Senator Ifeanyi Ubah include:

1. Daniel Chukwuemeka Okafor - President, ASPAMDA
2. Jude Nwankwo - President, Ladipo
3. Paulinus Ugochukwu - President, Alaba.
4. Basil Osuokwu - President, Igbo Amaka Lagos/Coker Market and Abuloado Building Materials.
5. Tony Obih - President, BBA.
6. Mrs Violet Obiora - Businesswoman
7. Sunday Ubanese - Businessman
8. Ifeanyi Nwosu- Businessman
9. Daniel Edokwe - Businessman
10. Mr. Edwin Igbokwe - Seasoned Journalist

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