The 5th RCEP Import Expo was officially declared opened this morning, Monday, 20th April 2026 at which the Nigerian team successfully participated.
Representing Nigeria were Sola Obadimu, the Director-General of NACCIMA and Mrs. Doris Okonkwo representing the Nigerian Customs Service.
The DG had a brief media interview by China Daily and
we had a brief engagement with Cao Lin, the Director of Rizhao Commerce Bureau, Shandong province, both parties agreed to enhance the relationship to facilitate and guide Chinese companies in Rizhao to Nigeria. The DG extended an invitation Chinese companies willing to invest in Nigeria with a promise to help match them will Members to form partnerships where necessary and promote trade development between the two giant/continental nations.
The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) is one of the world’s largest free trade agreements. In force since January 2022, its 15 members include China, Japan, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand, and all ten ASEAN states. The invitation extended to the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture (NACCIMA) by the RCEP Committee of Linyi City, Shandong Province, for its April event presents a significant strategic opportunity for Nigeria’s private sector.
Relevant Sectors
· Wood Processing: Linyi is China’s plywood capital and relies on imported timber.
· Agricultural Commodities: Linyi processes and trades peanuts, ginger, garlic, and cassava.
· Manufactured Inputs: Linyi exports hardware, furniture, and building materials across Asia.
· Digital Trade: Linyi has a strong cross-border e-commerce ecosystem which offers a template for empowerment of SMEs seeking direct access to Asian consumers.
