Abuja, Dec. 17, 2023: China and Nigeria can latch onto fashion shows to boost textile industry and increase the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), according to Mr Li Xuda, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of China Cultural Centre in Nigeria.
Li said this on Saturday in Abuja during the First edition of the Sinoma-Nigeria Fashion Show organised by the Center in collaboration with Sinoma Nigeria Co.LTD.
According to him, a fashion show is not only for entertainment and cultural demonstration around the world, it is a strong language for global communication and cooperation.
“In Nigeria and China lots of people like to watch fashion shows which are bringing more people to engage in the job relating to the fashion industry and promoting the purchase of textiles.
“We believe that fashion shows can contribute in building a bridge for boosting the textile industry, increase the country’s GDP and advance cooperation between China and Nigeria.
“We also think that these fashion shows will help us to discover the beauty of diverse cultures and support in building up our fashion industry to reach its potential,”Li said.
Also speaking, Mr Geng Fengtao Managing Director of Sinoma Nigeria Co.LTD said that the company’s principle is contributing to development by cooperating with local enterprises and serving its people to ensure growth and development.
He also stressed that when GDP is growing strongly, employment is likely to be increasing as companies hire more workers for their factories to improve the livelihoods of the people.
“We are committed to bringing our most advanced technology and working with Nigerian people to promote local industry such as textile and economic development.
“Clothing is not just a material, it is a rich representation of our culture and a language that adds beauty to our lives which will remain a timeless aspect of our existence.
“I firmly believe that the Sinoma-Nigeria fashion show will effectively showcase the rich culture and also promote cultural exchange between China and Nigeria,”Geng said.
Mr Muhammad Sulaiman, President of China Alumini Association in Nigeria and the Society of Nigeria Artist expressed his appreciation to the Chinese mission and Sinoma for organising the event.
He also noted that the country has an overwhelming need for textile materials and it has been estimated that between 2022 and 2027 there will be a growth in the textile industry.
“We firmly support the collaboration and initiative taken by Sinoma to provide an avenue for the fashion industry to thrive especially with the existence of the Ministry for arts, culture and creative economy.
“We look forward to seeing the fashion industry becoming a hub for Nigeria to export textiles beyond the shores of the country and thrive,”Sulaiman said.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the climax of the event is the display of different traditional and modern Chinese and Nigerian outfits by various models added with diverse cultural dances from both countries.
