The federal government has urged the management of China’s health product manufacturing company, Longrich Industries, to train more Nigerians in its artificial intelligence company being constructed in Lagos.
Nigeria’s Consul General to China, Chimezie Okeoma Ogu, while making the plea when he paid a visit to Xu Zhiwei, Chairman of Longrich industries, explained that the gesture would promote and boost bilateral cooperation between both countries.
“This would assist the Federal government’s efforts to address unemployment problem in the country. Longrich products are very popular in Nigeria. Every Nigerian family has Longrich products, and the country serves as the biggest market for the company in Africa and next to China in the world. The presence of the company in Nigeria has offered job and business opportunities to young men and women, who before now were jobless.
“The introduction of the company’s novel network of marketing strategy has made many Nigerians financial stable and millionaires. Longrich can develop more excellent products to meet the needs of the Nigerian market. With the establishment and construction of Longrich industry in Lagos, it has given opportunity to the transfer of technology and skill. This is the new focus of the present administration in its drive for Foreign Direct Investment with its international partners,” Ogu submitted.
In his response, Chairman of Longrich Industries, Xu Zhiwei, said as part of the company internationalization strategy, the management has signed a contract with Nigeria’s Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos state through the construction of 40,000-square-meter production line, to become the first artificial intelligence factory along the “Belt and Road” in Nigeria.
“This is an important step for the realization of the national “Belt and Road” initiative by Chinese enterprises. The project will not only provide Longrich overseas branch with comprehensive large supply chain, product guarantee, import and export, customs clearance and other overall services, but will also provide all important local brands in Nigeria, as well as the entire African market,” Xu Zhiwei said.