Vice President Kashim Shettima has left Nigeria to represent President Bola Tinubu at the 3rd Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) Forum in Beijing, China. The forum is scheduled to take place from October 16 to 18. This information was disclosed by Mr. Stanley Nkwocha, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Communications, Office of the Vice President.
The theme of the forum is “High-quality Belt and Road Cooperation: Together for Common Development and Prosperity,” and it will bring together world leaders from over 130 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe, and Latin America. The purpose of the forum is to discuss and deliberate on key issues related to the Belt and Road Initiative, with the aim of promoting cooperation and fostering development.
As Nigeria’s representative, Vice President Shettima will utilize the platform provided by the forum to attract investors for various developmental projects in Nigeria. In addition, he will hold bilateral meetings with other world leaders to promote Nigeria’s trade and investment relations, aligning with the economic development agenda of the Tinubu administration.
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was launched by the President of China, Xi Jinping, in 2013 as a global infrastructure development strategy. It seeks to foster international collaboration and promote infrastructure investment in nearly 70 countries across Asia, Africa, and Europe through land and maritime routes.
In 2018, former President Muhammadu Buhari signed a Belt and Road cooperation agreement with China on behalf of Nigeria. This partnership aims to benefit Nigeria and other partner countries in various sectors, including infrastructure investments such as ports, railroads, roads, bridges, airports, dams, and power stations.
The Nigerian delegation accompanying Vice President Shettima to the forum includes the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Atiku Bagudu; the Minister of Transportation, Sa’idu Alkali; the Minister of Works, David Umahi; the 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.
In another important engagement, Vice President Shettima will travel to the United States of America after the forum to participate as a special guest in the African Development Bank (AfDB) and World Food Prize – facilitated Norman E. Borlaug International Dialogue. This dialogue, which begins on October 24, brings together African and international leaders, including heads of state, government officials, and experts, to discuss food security and diversification.
During his participation, Vice President Shettima will deliver a keynote address, joining a distinguished list of speakers including former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, World Food Prize Laureates, Ghana President John Kufuor, AfDB President Akinwunmi Adesina, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, and others. The focus of the dialogue will be on the reforms being implemented by the Tinubu administration in the Nigerian Agrifood sector.
Moreover, Vice President Shettima will engage with various stakeholders, partners, and potential investors to highlight the investment opportunities available in Nigeria. Multiple meetings and engagements have already been scheduled, and Vice President Shettima is expected to return to Nigeria after fulfilling his commitments in the United States.
