Abuja: Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, announced that the tea trade between China and Nigeria is thriving, enhancing trade relations between the two countries. Yu made this statement in Abuja during the ‘2025 Tea for Harmony Yaji Cultural Salon’ event themed ‘Tea in Nature’s Whisper: Aroma of Picturesque Jiangnan.’
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the ambassador emphasized that the tea trade between the two nations has blossomed in recent years, notably with the introduction of Hainan Baisha tea to the Nigerian market in 2024. This development marks a new chapter in the collaboration between China and Nigeria concerning the tea industry.
Yu highlighted the symbolic significance of tea, stating, ‘The tea fragrance crossing thousands of miles shows that a small tea leaf can not only nourish the body but also warm the soul, becoming a ‘green envoy’ that promotes economic, trade cooperation, and cultural exchanges between China and Nigeria.’ From tea stalls in Lagos to mint tea in Kano, tea serves as an important social bond in Nigeria.
The envoy also underscored the cultural importance of tea in China, explaining that the Chinese tea ceremony embodies centuries of philosophical wisdom, focusing on harmony, purity, and elegance. He noted that these values resonate with Nigeria’s cultural ethos, acting as a spiritual bridge between the two civilizations.
Yu pointed to recent upgrades in bilateral relations, following a meeting last year between the countries’ heads of state in Beijing. This meeting led to a three-year initiative called the ‘Ten Partnership Actions for Modernisation,’ which aims to deepen cooperation in culture, tourism, and education.
Furthermore, the ambassador mentioned that 2026 has been designated the ‘China-Africa Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchange.’ As part of this initiative, Nigerian students are learning tea art and opera in China, while Chinese volunteers promote Chinese language and tea culture in Nigeria.
Mrs. Huang Yun, Leader of the Zhejiang Delegation and Researcher-Librarian of Zhejiang Provincial Cultural Centre, also spoke at the event, highlighting the cultural significance of tea and drama in China. She described how Zhejiang, the birthplace of ‘The Classic of Tea’ and Yue Opera ‘Butterfly Lovers,’ presents its cultural heritage to Nigerian friends through tea and drama.
NAN reports that the event featured performances by artists from the Zhejiang delegation, including Yue Opera and pipa music, alongside exhibitions of Chinese calligraphy, painting, and photo displays showcasing Zhejiang’s culture and tourism.