Nigeria committed to boosting trade, technology with China, says Shettima – Guardian Nigeria
Shettima
Vice President Kashim Shettima has restated Nigeria’s commitment to strengthening relations with the Republic of Korea, especially in promoting trade, technology transfer and maintaining global peace.
Shettima disclosed this, yesterday, when he received a delegation from the Republic of Korea, led by Special Envoy to the President, Jang Sungmin, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Stressing that both countries have “a very robust bilateral relationship anchored on years of mutual trust and cooperation”, he said a lot of Korean companies do business in Nigeria, especially in the area of oil and gas, adding that Korean companies constructed six of Nigeria’s Liquified Natural Gas (LNG) trains.
“We are fully committed to a very robust relationship. We need to learn a lot from Korea, especially in areas of manufacturing and agriculture. You are a success story worthy of emulation by all developing nations,” the Vice President said.
He further observed: “Many years ago, in the 50s and 60s, the Korean GDP was at par with many African countries. But today, Korea is among developed nations. This is partly due to the leadership and commitment of the Korean people.
“We are willing to partner with you in the area of technology because by 2030, there will be 65 per cent global talent deficit, with the United States, Russia and Brazil suffering six million talent deficit. I believe Nigeria is in a unique position to fill in those deficits because ours is a young nation.”
“Seventy-five per cent of Nigerians are below the age of 35. So, we are soliciting your partnership and support in digital skills training for our young people. We want to create one million jobs in the digital world. India earned $120 billion, last year, from global outsourcing, and we are in a unique position to take advantage of opportunities in the sector. We need the skills set, we need the technology to drive the process, and yours is a technology we can embrace.”
Earlier, Sungmin, who congratulated Nigeria for successful inauguration of a new government, conveyed special invitation from President Yoon to his Nigerian counterpart, Bola Tinubu, to attend the forthcoming Africa-Korea Summit in South Korea.
He also restated his country’s continuous support for Nigeria across different sectors, noting that Korea’s “collaboration with Nigeria could lead the 4th Industrial Revolution.”
The Special Envoy’s delegation included: Ambassador Kim Young-chae, Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to the Federal Republic of Nigeria; Mr. Yoo Chang-ho, Deputy Secretary to the President for Future Policy; Mr. Jang Sangwoo, Deputy Director for Planning and Execution Team, Bid Committee for World Expo 2030 Busan; Mr. Guillaume Barthe-Dejean, Vice President, SK; Mr. Kim Inkyu, Chief Financial Officer, LG Electronics Nigeria Corp and Ms. Park Hyesong, Korea International Development Agency.
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