The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has held a business and financial roundtable in Beijing, China, to explore ways to strengthen financial ties and investment between the two countries.
The meeting, held on Wednesday under the theme “Strengthening the Nigeria–China Financial Corridor”, brought together Nigerian and Chinese business leaders to discuss barriers to cross-border financial flows.
According to a statement by the CBN’s Corporate Communications Department, participants discussed ways to improve cross-border payments, strengthen banking connections and expand investment channels.
CBN Governor Olayemi Cardoso said direct engagement with businesses would help the bank understand the opportunities and challenges affecting financial transactions between Nigeria and China.
Philip Ikeazor, CBN Deputy Governor for Economic Policy, said stronger macroeconomic fundamentals should translate into increased investment and deeper financial markets.
The Nigerian Ambassador to China, retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, also addressed the meeting, alongside business leaders Festus Mbisiogu, chairperson of Blue Diamond Group, and Diana Chen, chairperson of CIG Motors.
The roundtable also featured a presentation on Nigeria’s economic reforms, macroeconomic conditions and investment opportunities.
The CBN said the discussions would inform further engagement with financial institutions and regulatory counterparts to identify practical areas for cooperation.
The meeting is part of the bank’s broader engagement across Asia, following discussions in Singapore and at the IMF/World Bank Annual Meetings in Bangkok.
The CBN’s China programme also includes bilateral talks with the People’s Bank of China, meetings with the leadership of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, and engagements with businesses in Guangzhou to explore ways to improve remittance channels and facilitate investment in Nigeria.
