‎The Central Bank of Nigeria has convened a high-level business and financial roundtable in Beijing to deepen Nigeria’s financial markets and strengthen financial flows with China.

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‎The engagement themed “Strengthening the Nigeria-China Financial Corridor” was held at the Pan Pacific Beijing on Wednesday.

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‎Governor of the CBN, Olayemi Cardoso, said it was important to engage directly with businesses to understand opportunities and constraints affecting financial activity between both countries.

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‎Deputy Governor for Economic Policy, Philip Ikeazor, delivered opening remarks on translating stronger macroeconomic fundamentals into increased investment and more developed financial markets.

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‎Nigeria’s Ambassador to China, Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, also addressed participants. Other speakers included Chairperson of Blue Diamond Group, Festus Mbisiogu, and Chairperson of CIG Motors, Diana Chen.

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‎Participants discussed opportunities for greater financial activity and practical challenges in transactions between the two countries.

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‎Issues raised included need for more efficient cross-border payment arrangements, stronger banking connectivity, and potential benefits of larger Nigerian banking presence in China.

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‎The engagement featured a presentation on Nigeria’s economic reform progress, improved macroeconomic fundamentals and emerging investment opportunities in financial markets.

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‎Cardoso said insights gathered would inform CBN’s engagement with relevant financial institutions and regulatory counterparts.

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‎The Beijing roundtable is part of CBN’s broader strategy to deepen financial relationships across Asia, following engagements in Singapore and at IMF/World Bank meetings in Bangkok.

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‎The bank’s China programme includes bilateral talks with the People’s Bank of China, engagement with ICBC leadership and meetings with Nigerian and Chinese businesses.

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‎The programme will extend to Guangzhou for a listening session with the Nigerian business community on remittance channels and investment opportunities.