Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has departed the country to attend the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative Forum in Beijing, China, scheduled from October 16 to 18.
Shettima is representing President Bola Tinubu at this international event, as confirmed by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications (Office of the Vice President).
The forum, which will be attended by leaders from more than 130 countries across Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America, focuses on the theme of “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity.”
Vice President Shettima’s key agenda during the forum is to leverage the platform to attract investors for developmental projects in Nigeria.
He is expected to engage in bilateral meetings with other world leaders to bolster Nigeria’s trade and investment relations, aligning with the economic development goals of the Tinubu administration.
This year’s Belt and Road Initiative marks its 10th anniversary since its launch by President Xi Jinping of China. The initiative, initiated in 2013, seeks international collaboration to enhance cooperation and promote infrastructure investment in nearly 70 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe, utilizing both land and maritime routes.
The presidential aide also recalled that in 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari signed the Belt and Road cooperation agreement with China on behalf of Nigeria.
The Nigerian delegation attending the forum includes key ministers such as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu, and the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali.
Others are the Minister Of Works, David Umahi, Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Doris Uzoka-Anite, the Managing Director of the Nigeria Railway Corporation, Fidet Okhiria, and the Director-General of the Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission, Michael Ohiani.
