Trade Relations: Stakeholders urge China to review visa validity for Nigerians

*Dr. Faruk Umar, President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, advocates China’s review of its visa tenure to five or 10 years for Nigerians to further enhance trade relationship between the two countries

Isola Moses | ConsumerConnect

Some business stakeholders have advocated an extension of  vida validity to boost trade relationship between Nigeria and China.

The stakeholders urged the People’s Republic of China to extend its visa validity for Nigerian travellers to the Asian country.

They made call on the sidelines of the China-Nigeria Investment Economic and Trade Promotion Conference held Thursday, April 20, 2023, Abuja, FCT, according to agency report.

Dr. Faruk Umar, President, Association for the Advancement of Rights of Nigerian Shareholders, said it was important for China to review its visa tenure.

Umar, who represented Arewa Consultative Forum at the conference as a Non-Executive Director, also said: “It will deepen trade relationship between the two countries.

“Many countries are now increasing the number of years they give to Nigerians.”

He stated: “So, I am appealing to the Chinese Government to give five or 10 years visa to Nigerians because one year visa is discouraging.

On importation of substandard products into Nigeria

In connection with the body’s concerns about importation of all manner of substandard products from China, Dr. Umar said agreements between Nigeria and China should emphasise importation of high quality products.

“Most countries ensure that products that are being imported are of high quality, but it is not same in Nigeria.

“So, I hope the incoming government will work hard to ensure all these things are fixed, as well as fight corruption and find solution to poor electricity supply and many others,” he noted.

In his remarks at the forum, Mr. Fuad Umar, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Agro Allied Nigeria Limited, also stated there is a need for China to review its visa tenure for Nigerians.

Umar also acknowledged that China had helped boost micro businesses in Nigeria.

He, however, said it was important for the Asian country to help Nigeria to develop its rich human and natural resources rather than concentrating on export.

Umar further said: “We are happy that China is signing Memorandum of Understanding(MoU) with companies in Nigeria.

“However, I suggest the MoUs dwell more on how Nigeria can leverage on China’s strength to learn how to make good use of its resources.

“For instance they should help solve the problem of electricity.”

The company executive said: “Also, our copper, hides and skin are among the best in the world.

“So, rather than exporting them in their raw forms, machineries should be put in place as part of bilateral agreement to have them processed in Nigeria,”he said.

It is as well noted from January 8 this year, China began to take COVID-19 as a Class-B infectious disease and adopted provisional measures on cross-border travel.

Arrangements have been further optimised for foreign nationals travelling to China, report said.

Multi-year multi-entry visas issued before March 26, 2020, by the Chinese government are still suspended of use, mainly because many of them are tourist visas.

The Chinese Government said it would continue to adjust measures according to the pandemic situation and facilitate the recovery of international people-to-people exchange.

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