By: Mnena Iyorkegh, Abuja
The Chinese government has reiterated its commitment to promoting the China-Nigeria Fashion Show in to high-quality brand for cultural exchange that will open new doors of business opportunities between the two nations.
The Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria and Director of the China Cultural Center, Li Xuda, stated this at the “China-Nigeria Fashion Show,” in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital.
The Fashion show is aimed at deepening the relationship between China and Nigeria through the universal language of fashion.
According to the envoy, China and Nigeria can invest in fashion shows to boost the industry and increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
Noting that the event aims to innovate cultural exchange and foster traditional friendship among the two countries.
“China and Nigeria are two great nations with rich histories and culture. Events like this fashion show, will promote mutual understanding and bring our people closer together. China and Nigeria are working hand in hand, using the beauty of their cultures to build a future of shared respect and friendship. As the 2024 FOCAC summit approaches, this fashion show vividly displayed the splendid attire of China and Nigeria and a spirit of win-win cooperation. It is anticipated that the China-Nigeria Fashion Show will become a high-quality brand for cultural exchange and that the 2024 FOCAC summit will bring more cooperation opportunities between the two nations”.
Mr. Li, added that: “This grand feast, integrating the essence of Chinese and Nigerian fashion cultures, was met with applause and praise. It left on the stage not only gorgeous costumes and elegant postures but also the fruits of the “Belt and Road” initiative.
The message was clear: China and Nigeria are working hand in hand, using the beauty of their cultures to build a future of shared respect and friendship”. He added
The Fashion show was more than just a showcase of clothing, it was a celebration of the rich cultural heritage shared by both countries. Traditional and contemporary designs from China and Nigeria came together on the runway, bringing out the creativity and skills of designers from both countries.
Also speaking on this, the President Society of Nigeria Artists, Muhammad Suleiman, explained that the fashion show was more than just an event; it was a symbol of the vibrant, growing bond between two nations.
“I think this is a significant improvement on what has happened in the past because this is a unifying event where you find Nigeria and China at their best. I have seen much improvement compared to last year, and this year’s activities are more diverse and engaging. What is very important in this year’s event is that everyone came with forms of identification, which was wonderful. What they present today was more about cultural relations between Nigeria and China. The costumes were beautiful, and the Nigerian representation was amazing. This fashion show was like bringing two countries together today. It was a combination, not just Nigeria standing on its own or China on the other side.
Speaking on the way forward, he explained that if this is the peak, ahead of what next year will bring. Compared to last year, this year’s event has significantly improved, and next year’s event is likely to be even better.
“There was a fusion of cultural exchange, with Nigerians wearing Chinese fabrics and Chinese wearing Nigerian fabrics. Whatever way you look at it today, We look forward to seeing the fashion industry becoming a hub for Nigeria to export textiles beyond the shores of the country and thrive”. He explained
The 2024 China-Nigeria Fashion Show jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria, the China Cultural Center and the China General Chamber of Commerce, featured three chapters: Flower Rain along the Silk Road, Harmony Across Sea and Sky, and Walking Together on the Great Road.
