As part of efforts to enhance the growth of medium and small-scale industries, China and Nigeria are going to hold an economic summit in Abuja in March 2005, a senior official said in Abuja Wednesday.

Matthew Uwaekwe, coordinator of the Association of Friends and Associates of Chinese Business Community in Nigeria, told reporters the forum tagged "Nigerian-Chinese 2005 Economic Summit" would afford both Nigerian and Chinese entrepreneurs the opportunity to access areas of mutual benefits and assistance.

According to him, the summit initiated by the association will provide the framework for the establishment of medium and small-scale industries in all local government areas through a private sector initiative.

The association, he added, had also proposed a Nigerian-Chinese agriculture, technology, culture and tourism exhibition to harness the potential of both cultures.

In 2003, the bilateral trade volume between the two countries surpassed US$1.8 billion, making Nigeria the second largest trade partner of China in Africa after South Africa.

(Xinhua News Agency December 23, 2004)