Umuahia, Nigeria – June 12, 2025
The Chinese government has expressed interest in partnering with Abia State to combat hunger and poverty through strategic investment in agriculture, vocational training, and infrastructural development.
The proposal was made during a courtesy visit by a high-level delegation from the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China to the Abia State Government House, Umuahia, on Tuesday.
Speaking during the visit, the Chinese envoy Mr. Wang Qingzhong said China was impressed with Abia’s renewed drive for grassroots development, food security, and empowerment of smallholder farmers. He highlighted China’s readiness to share its expertise and technology in modern agriculture and rural development to help lift vulnerable communities out of poverty.
“Our government recognizes the importance of South-East Nigeria in Nigeria’s economic landscape. We believe that by working with Abia State, we can explore mutually beneficial avenues, especially in agricultural mechanization, irrigation systems, and skills acquisition centres,” Qingzhong stated.
In response, Governor Alex Otti welcomed the initiative, emphasizing that his administration remains committed to sustainable development, food sufficiency, and economic transformation of rural areas.
“We are open to partnerships that align with our development priorities. Abia is blessed with fertile land and a hardworking population, and we look forward to a strategic alliance with China that will improve food production, create jobs, and reduce poverty,” the governor said.
Governor Otti added that the state would soon unveil an Agricultural Investment Framework to attract international partners and unlock the agricultural value chain in the state.
The meeting ended with both parties agreeing to set up a technical working group to outline areas of collaboration and execute a pilot project within the next six months.
The move is seen as part of broader diplomatic efforts by China to deepen cooperation with subnational governments across Africa in line with its Belt and Road Initiative.
