The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has trained potential exporters and stakeholders, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), in Akwa Ibom state on ways of tackling export challenges to boost the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
NEPC’s chief executive officer, Dr. Ezra Yakusak, disclosed this in Uyo on Friday at a one-day workshop for exporters and SMEs organised by the Trade Information Department Abuja.
Dr. Yakusak said many exporters still encountered challenges in accessing the global market due to an inadequate understanding of e-registration guidelines and the rudiments of doing export business.
The executive director, represented by the director, State Coordinating Office Department, Mr. Andy Ambikputen, said for exporters to flourish in the international market and remain relevant with other competitors across the world, they must be well-trained.
“It is indeed my honour to express my gratitude to all the participants for attending this important programme. I wish to state that the overriding objective of this programme is to make our SMEs/exporters well-informed and equipped in E-registration guidelines and the rudiment of doing export business.
“I wish to reiterate that for our SMEs to go global in export business and remain on the same page with other competitors in the global market, they must be well-trained.
“It is against this background that this programme is being organised for the SMEs in Akwa Ibom,” he said.
In her welcome address, the deputy director of NEPC in Uyo, Mrs. Pauline Ndulaka, urged the exporters to remain committed to the export business for the country to achieve its diversification drive of the economy.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr. Camillus Umoh, thanked NEPC for its efforts in actualising the vision of the federal government.
Umoh, represented by his Director of Commerce, Mr. Aniefiok Idiong, who declared the event open, assured that the ministry would continue to partner with the Council to boost exports from the state.
