Olusegun Awolowo
NEPC has supported 2,000 MSMEs, says Awolowo
[From CHINEDU NWAFOR, Abakaliki]
Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has supported no fewer than 2000 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) through export intervention measures.
Executive Director, NEPC, Prof. Olusegun Awolowo stated this on Thursday during a ‘Zero to Export Clinic’ organised by the council for exporters and prospective exporters in Enugu.
Awolowo who was represented by the Principal Trade Promotion Officer, Export Training Institute, NEPC, Mrs Vero Gbaa, said such support was aimed at addressing technical trade barriers and increasing the competitiveness of Nigerian exporters.
He said that the technical support given the drivers of the benefitting MSMEs was done through the active collaboration of international trade agencies.
According to him, the Zero to Export Clinic was conceived to attend to specific knowledge needs of intending and existing exporters.
He said, “Over the years, the Zero to Export programme has proven to be an effective tool employed by the council to introduce companies, individuals and firms into export business landscape.
“This is because of its unique qualities of mentoring and handholding exporters who may not have had any previous experience in export business,” he said.
“The council has recognised that many companies desires to go into the export business but lack the capacity, competencies and skill to undertake the venture successfully.
“This explains why we have painstakingly designed and invested in worthy knowledge-driven programmes such as the Zero to Export Clinic,” he said.
“We are committed to developing export oriented MSMEs and promoting their participation in active export business.
“I implore you to take advantage of this important capacity building programme to improve on your knowledge and understanding of the rudiments and intricacies of non-oil export business,” Awolowo said.
Earlier in his remarks, the NEPC, South-East Regional Coordinator, Mr Arnold Jackson who was represented by the the Senior Accountant, NEPC, Enugu, Tajudeen Eleruja
said the programme was designed for newly registered exporters, youths and MSMEs with export potential.
“By the end of the training today, we should be one step closer to achieving our goal of exporting quality products and services from Nigeria,” he said.
