Plateau seeks stronger economic ties with China to boost agriculture, infrastructure

The Plateau State Government has taken steps to deepen economic cooperation with China in a bid to attract investment, modernise agriculture and accelerate infrastructure development, Caleb Mutfwang, the governor of Plateau State, said during a meeting with the Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria and a delegation of investors in Jos.

Mutfwang made the statement on Tuesday while hosting China’s Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, alongside leading Chinese business executives at Government House, Jos.

According to a statement issued by Gyang Bere, the Governor’s Director of Press and Public Affairs (DOPA) and obtained by BusinessDay in Jos, Mutfwang said the state was seeking partnerships capable of unlocking its economic potential through investment, technology transfer and innovation.

“The relationship between Plateau State and China has evolved steadily over several decades,” the governor said.

He added that cooperation should extend beyond national-level engagements to direct partnerships between Plateau State and Chinese provinces.

Mutfwang identified agriculture as a key area of collaboration, describing Plateau as Nigeria’s food basket and stressing the need to transform farming from subsistence production to a modern commercial enterprise.

The governor highlighted plans for a 500-hectare Special Agro-Processing Zone near the Yakubu Gowon International Cargo Airport, noting that the project would boost exports and improve market access for farmers and agribusinesses.

He also outlined investment opportunities in poultry, dairy farming, fisheries and animal feed production, while calling for responsible mining practices and stronger cooperation to tackle illegal mining activities.

Yu, the ambassador, described Plateau as a strategic investment destination with abundant natural resources, favourable climatic conditions and significant agricultural potential.

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