<p>THE Peoples Republic of China has revealed its commitment to replicate in Nigeria what was done in China that improved its agricultural sector. This revelation was made in Abuja, during a one-day China-Nigeria Agricultural Modernisation Cooperation Forum. Revealing this, the Chinese Economic and Commercial Counsellor, Mr Zhao Linxiang noted when the Peoples Republic of China was founded in 1949, over 80 per cent of its population was starving or in semi-starvation, 68 years down the line, the country could boost of feeding her populations and also produce food for 20 per cent of the world’s population.</p> <p>Linxiang said that “if China can do it, Nigeria can equally do it.” While assuring that China is in Nigeria to replicate the uncommon feat their country achieved in the agriculture sector, also said that his country shall be committed to the agriculture agenda which President Buhari presented when he visited China in 2016. He also reiterated his country’s resolve to partnering with Nigeria in the implementation of the Economic Recovery Growth Plan (ERGP), especially in the area of agricultural development.</p> <p>“The ERGP, which was recently launched by the Nigeria government, depicts a blue print for agricultural development in Nigeria over the next five years. The ERGP put agriculture as the first priority sector for the economic diversification, setting policy objectives as increase agriculture GDP from N16.0trillion in 2015 to N21.0 trillion in 2020 at an average annual growth rate of 6.92 percent (2017-2020)”, he said.</p> <p>The Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr Zhuo Pingjian who supported the position of Mr Linxiang, stated China will take advantage of the strategic partnership it has with Nigeria, to share their experience in agricultural development. He noted that his country will remain committed to providing both financial and technical support required for Nigeria to achieve agricultural transformation and food security.</p> <p>“We are willing to work with Nigeria side to provide more effective platform to mobilise more Chinese investment in Nigeria’s Green Alternative,” he said. The Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udoma, acknowledged that China, Nigeria Agricultural Modernisation Cooperation Forum was part of China’s support to the present administrations effort to re-position the economy, also noted that Chinese entrepreneurs are willing to make more investments in Nigeria.</p> <p>The minister who was represented at the event by a Director in his Minister further explained that the cooperation between the two countries will address the existing trade imbalance. “We are happy to note that Chinese enterprises are willing, as promised by the Chinese Government during the 6th session of the Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation Forum in July, 2015 to increase the volume of imports of competitive products from Nigeria including sesame seed, cocoa, natural rubber, cashew, cassava products as well as oil and gas. “This is expected to increase the volume of trade between the two countries which stands at $14.94 billion in 2015 and address the trade imbalance.” Udoma said.</p>