The Chinese Embassy's Cultural Counselor, Mr. Li Xuda, has pushed China and Nigeria to take advantage of fashion shows' unrealized potential to grow the textile industry and GDP (gross domestic product).Li, who is also the director of the China Cultural Center in Nigeria, made the announcement on Saturday in Abuja during the opening ceremony of the Sinoma-Nigeria Fashion Show.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Sinoma Nigeria Co. Ltd. and the Center worked together to organize the event.
In the long run, he expressed confidence that the fashion show might greatly benefit Nigeria's textile sector and GDP.
He claims that fashion shows serve as a powerful medium for international cooperation and communication in addition to providing entertainment and cultural demonstrations on a worldwide scale.
"Many people enjoy watching fashion shows in China and Nigeria, which is encouraging the buying of textiles and attracting more people to work in the fashion industry.
It is our belief that fashion shows have the potential to foster economic growth in the textile sector, raise GDP levels, and promote collaboration between China and Nigeria.
"We also believe that these fashion shows will support us in developing our fashion industry to its full potential and help us discover the beauty of diverse cultures," Li stated.
Speaking as well, Mr. Geng Fengtao, Managing Director of Sinoma Nigeria Co. Ltd., predicted that as the GDP increased, more jobs would become available as textile industries hired more people.
Fengtao restated Sinomo Nigeria's enduring beliefs about working with regional businesses to advance the nation's progress and development.
"We are dedicated to delivering our most cutting-edge technologies and will keep collaborating with Nigerians to support domestic industries like textiles for economic growth.
Clothing is more than simply a material; it's a rich reflection of our culture and a language that enhances our quality of life and will always be a part of it.
"I am convinced that the Sinoma-Nigeria fashion show will successfully highlight the rich cultural heritage and foster cross-cultural interactions between China and Nigeria," the man stated.
The Chinese Mission and Sinoma Nigeria were praised for organizing the event by Mr. Muhammad Sulaiman, President of the China Alumini Association in Nigeria and the Society of Nigeria Artist, in his remarks.
Suleiman pointed out that the nation's enormous requirement for textile materials—which is predicted to be high by 2027—could fuel the expansion of the textile industry if properly addressed.
"We hope to see the fashion industry develop into a thriving center where Nigerian textiles can be exported outside the nation," he stated.
The event's centerpiece, according to NAN, is a presentation of several models wearing traditional and contemporary Chinese and Nigerian attire, along with traditional dances from both nations.