The Plateau State Government has intensified its strategic partnership with China as part of efforts to attract foreign investment, transform agriculture, and accelerate infrastructure development, positioning the state as a competitive destination for business and industrial growth.

Governor Caleb Manasseh Mutfwang disclosed this on Monday while receiving the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, alongside a delegation of Chinese investors and business executives at the Government House in Jos.

The visit is part of the state’s broader strategy to strengthen international partnerships and attract foreign direct investment into critical sectors such as agriculture, mining, healthcare, tourism, infrastructure, and industrial development.

Speaking during the meeting, Governor Mutfwang described the relationship between Plateau State and China as one that has steadily evolved over the years, stressing the importance of expanding cooperation beyond national engagements through direct partnerships with Chinese provinces.

He said his administration is committed to leveraging investment, technology transfer, innovation, and knowledge exchange to unlock the state’s vast economic potential.

Agriculture at the Centre of Partnership

Governor Mutfwang identified agriculture as a key area for collaboration, noting that Plateau State has long been recognized as Nigeria’s food basket and a historic mining hub.

He explained that the government is pursuing an ambitious agricultural modernization agenda focused on mechanization, increased productivity, cold-chain infrastructure, livestock development, and agro-processing.

As part of the initiative, the governor unveiled plans for a 500-hectare Special Agro-Processing Zone near the Yakubu Gowon International Cargo Airport, designed to serve as a major export hub for agricultural products while improving value addition for farmers and agribusinesses.

He also highlighted investment opportunities in poultry, dairy farming, fisheries, and animal feed production, emphasizing the need to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported dairy products by building a competitive local livestock industry.

Sustainable Mining and Industrial Growth

On mining, Governor Mutfwang advocated responsible and environmentally sustainable practices that promote local value addition and community development.

He also called for closer collaboration with Chinese authorities in tackling illegal mining activities and ensuring that mineral resources contribute meaningfully to the state’s economic development.

China Reaffirms Commitment

In his remarks, Ambassador Yu described Plateau State as a strategic investment destination due to its abundant natural resources, favorable climate, and enormous agricultural potential.

He commended Governor Mutfwang’s leadership and ongoing reforms in infrastructure, agriculture, education, and governance, assuring the state of continued support from both the Chinese Government and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.

The ambassador disclosed that the visiting delegation comprised executives from four internationally recognized Chinese companies with extensive operational experience in Nigeria, expressing confidence that the engagement would unlock new opportunities in transportation, infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial development.

New Export Opportunities

Ambassador Yu highlighted the growing economic ties between China and Nigeria, revealing that bilateral trade between the two countries is valued at several billions of dollars annually, while Chinese direct investment in Nigeria reached approximately $700 million in the previous year.

He also announced that China’s recently introduced 100 percent zero-tariff policy on Nigerian exports presents a significant opportunity for Plateau State’s agricultural products to gain access to one of the world’s largest consumer markets.

Drawing from China’s development experience, Yu noted that agricultural reforms had lifted more than 800 million people out of poverty, pledging China’s support in improving agricultural productivity, expanding processing capacity, strengthening livestock production, and developing agricultural value chains in Plateau State.

Addressing concerns over illegal mining, the ambassador reiterated China’s zero-tolerance policy against unlawful mining activities and assured the state government of cooperation in identifying and prosecuting offenders while encouraging legitimate investors to comply with established regulations.

Both leaders expressed optimism that the renewed engagement would usher in a new era of mutually beneficial cooperation, delivering increased investment, job creation, economic growth, and sustainable development for Plateau State.