"The Canton Fair is a unique, renewable hub." Engr. Leye Kupoluyi, President of Nigeria's Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), spoke of the long-standing partnership between the chamber and the fair on April 24, the second day of Phase 2 of the 139th Canton Fair held in Guangzhou. He also expressed optimism about the prospects for China-Nigeria trade, bolstered by China's upcoming tariff exemption policy for 53 African countries.
Long-standing ties between LCCI and Canton Fair
Established in 1888, the LCCI is Nigeria's premier chamber of commerce. Currently the largest private sector group in the country, its 4,000+ corporate members contribute approximately 60% of Nigeria's industrial output and 65% of its regular trade volume.
While this is his first visit to the Canton Fair, Kupoluyi emphasized the chamber's enduring ties with the event. "We have a very long relationship with the Canton Fair, and every year tens of our business members come here because it has always been rewarding for them," he noted. He added that attending the fair helps Nigerian enterprises establish business contacts and seek cooperation opportunities, cementing the foundation for the long-term partnership between the two sides.
A unique global cooperation platform for future development
Describing the Canton Fair as a "one-of-a-kind global hotspot," Kupoluyi praised its diversity with over 200 sectors. "This is a fair like no other in the whole world. It is a renewable hub for new technologies and new ways of doing business," he said. He explained that his chamber, representing more than 20 industry groups from oil to agriculture, values the fair as a platform for comprehensive cooperation, not just for imports, but also for industrial co-creation in Nigeria.
For most LCCI members, the Canton Fair is a highly anticipated platform, as it broadens their business horizons and unlocks new opportunities for future development.
Bright prospects for China-Nigeria trade
Looking ahead, Kupoluyi expressed optimism about China-Nigeria trade, especially with China's zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries with diplomatic ties—including Nigeria—taking effect on May 1. "We appreciate this gesture from the Chinese government, which will help improve the trade balance between Africa and China," he said. He stressed that Nigeria will focus on introducing its agricultural and industrial products to the Chinese market.
As a major African nation, Nigeria will fully leverage this policy, seizing the opportunity to promote its products not only to China but also to other countries around the world. "If our products are acceptable in China, we believe they will also be well-received in other global markets," he noted. Kupoluyi added that he looks forward to returning to Guangzhou and the Canton Fair in the future to further deepen bilateral trade cooperation.
Reporter & Photo | Dai Bosi
