ABUJA, Dec. 15 (Xinhua) -- Local and international experts gathered at a forum held here to review the significance and implications of China's reform and opening-up process and draw inspirations from it.
Dozens of experts and Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria Zhou Pingjian attended the forum organized by the Center for China Studies in Abuja in commemoration of the 40th anniversary of China's reform and opening-up policy.
Discussions focused on looking for right solutions to the development challenges faced by Nigeria and other African countries through drawing inspirations from China's economic development.
"We are simply reminding ourselves that if the Chinese could find the way that led them to increased prosperity, it is also possible for Africa," said Charles Onunaiju, director of the Center for China Studies.
"It is a reflection of what the Chinese have done in the last 40 years and we believe that the essential lesson is looking at ourselves in the mirror, finding our own way, taking the difficult decision and insisting on it, with all the sacrifices and challenges that come with it," Onunaiju said.
In his presentation, Mutiu Olasipo, a professor of public policy analysis, noted that China did everything possible within its purview to look inwards and rediscover its renaissance.
Olasipo urged African leaders to initiate people-oriented policies and effectively implement them toward a brighter, rewarding future.
Sheriff Ghali Ibrahim, an assistant professor of political science and international relations at the University of Abuja, also said Africa, just like any other continent of the world, has been strongly motivated by China's economic development.
Saying China's reform started from rural areas to cities, Aminu Wali, a former Nigerian foreign minister and a former Nigerian ambassador to China, noted the country has, over the past four decades, witnessed enormous economic and social progress with the implementation of its reform and opening-up policy.
In his remarks, Zhou, the Chinese ambassador, said that going forward, China will take an even more responsible approach, be even more open and inclusive and strive to achieve goals of even higher quality.
"By doing so, as it develops itself, China will make greater contributions to the common prosperity of the world," the envoy added.
