From Left; Chairman, NAHCO Plc, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni and President, Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce Mr. Lin Xie, at the signing of the MoU.
BY OLAPEJU OLUBI
A major step towards revolutionising logistics and cargo business in Nigeria has been taken by the Nigeria Aviation Handling Company Plc (nahco aviance).
The ground handling firm has signed a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce which not only seeks to enhance trade and investment between Nigeria and China but will establish the China-Nigeria (Suzhou) Logistics Park, designed to streamline logistics, improve infrastructure and unlock vast investment opportunities between the two nations.
The strategic initiative was inspired by the recent accord between Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chinese President Xi Jinping during the China-Africa Forum for Cooperation (CAFCO).
The leaders pledged to elevate the China-Nigeria relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, fostering the creation of a high-level China-Nigeria community built on shared interests and future growth.
Strategically located in Suzhou, a vital hub for agricultural modernization, consumer goods, electronics, cloud computing, and transportation, the logistics park will act as a critical platform to boost trade efficiency and solidify economic exchanges between Nigeria and China.
Suzhou’s established position as a global logistics center makes it an ideal base for this far-reaching partnership.
The agreement also emphasises the importance of Nigerian institutions like NAHCO in expanding international trade partnerships.
Commenting on the deal, Dr. Seinde Oladapo Fadeni, Chairman of NAHCO Plc, hailed the collaboration as a game-changer for Nigeria’s economic landscape:
“This agreement marks a transformative moment for NAHCO and Nigeria as a whole. Our alliance with the Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce is not only about enhancing trade but also creating avenues for technological exchange, knowledge transfer, and sustainable economic growth.”
Mr. Lin Xie, President of the Suzhou Chamber of International Commerce, also applauded the initiative.
“We are thrilled to collaborate with NAHCO. This partnership aligns perfectly with China’s vision of fostering meaningful, mutually beneficial relationships with African countries.”
Experts predict that the China-Nigeria (Suzhou) Logistics Park will become a catalyst for future partnerships between African and Chinese enterprises, offering a blueprint for expanding global trade cooperation.
They noted that by bridging markets and fostering innovation, the logistics park is expected to drive long-term development, further cementing the China-Nigeria partnership as a force in shaping the future of international commerce.
