Abuja: Mr. Yang Jianxing, Cultural Counselor of the Chinese Embassy and Director of China Cultural Center in Nigeria (CCCNIG), has highlighted the role of tea in fostering cultural exchange and unity among nations. He made these remarks during an event titled ‘The Art of Tea: A Chinese Tea Ceremony’ and the unveiling of the Africa-China tourism expo 2025, held on Tuesday in Abuja. The event was organized by the Chinese Tourism Promoters, China Cultural Center, and the Chinese Embassy in Nigeria.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Mr. Yang elaborated on the historical significance of tea, noting its origins on the ancient Silk Road where it was one of the three main commodities transported from China, alongside silk and porcelain. He explained that the Chinese have been cultivating and consuming tea for about 3,000 years, leading to the development of six major tea categories: green, yellow, black, white, oolong, and processed tea. These categories have resulted in thousands of tea products that people arou
nd the world enjoy today. Highlighting the dual nature of the tea ceremony, Mr. Yang described it as encompassing both the art of making and tasting tea and the philosophical spirit of the ceremony, which aims to enhance moral cultivation and promote harmony between humans and nature.
Mrs. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, wife of the Governor of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Governor’s Wife’s Forum, emphasized the potential of the Africa-China tourism expo to enhance cultural understanding and economic growth between Nigeria and China. She stated that Kwara State is poised to become a hub for entertainment and tourism, thanks to investments in infrastructure that are attracting interest across various sectors.
Mr. Phil Roberts, President of China Tourism Promoters, spoke on the versatile uses of tea, beyond just a beverage, noting its medicinal benefits and flavors. He urged Nigeria to embrace the cultivation of tea as a means to diversify its economy and increase GDP, as the reliance on oil has overshadowed othe
r valuable products. He encouraged both citizens and the government to explore opportunities within the tea industry to support economic development.