The Lagos State Government is set to partner with Guangdong Province in China to strengthen cooperation in technology, the blue economy, culture, and tourism, all aimed at improving the state’s economy and enhancing residents’ quality of life.
The Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Bimbola Salu-Hundeyin, disclosed this on Friday during a courtesy visit by Mr. He Rusheng, Deputy Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office, People’s Government of Guangdong Province, China, to her office in Ikeja.
Speaking on behalf of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Salu-Hundeyin said that both governments are exploring areas of collaboration that will culminate in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to boost Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Lagos.
She emphasized that Lagos remains open to international partnerships that can positively impact the economy and improve livability for its growing population.
“Governor Sanwo-Olu always emphasizes that any initiative that promotes the welfare and economic growth of Lagos State—and enhances the livability of our people—deserves top priority,” Salu-Hundeyin said.
She noted that this would not be the first collaboration between Lagos State and a Chinese province and that the state is keen on fostering more strategic partnerships.
“As the governor always says, Lagos is a state without borders when it comes to international collaborations. We are ready to work with partners as long as the outcomes are mutually beneficial,” she added.
In his remarks, Mr. He Rusheng—who also serves as Vice President of the Guangdong People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries—recalled that the delegation had previously visited Lagos in 2019. However, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted the process of formalizing the partnership.
Rusheng underscored Lagos’ strategic role as a gateway to African markets, noting its economic similarities with Guangdong Province as a reason for the renewed push for collaboration.
He encouraged the Lagos State Government to continue supporting the development of Guangdong enterprises within the state and to create an enabling business environment that would accelerate the implementation of joint projects.
“We look forward to deeper cooperation between Guangdong and Lagos across specific sectors to achieve greater economic and social development,” Rusheng said.
