Mr Akim Oyediran, Chairman of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN), Cross River and Akwa Ibom Chapter, has expressed the intention of the association to partner the Nigerian Export Import (NEXIM) Bank to enhance exports from both states.
Oyediran expressed this on Saturday during his visit to identify industries that could export agricultural products in Cross River, to help them partner effectively with NEXIM Bank.
The chairman said the chapter, under his watch, would key into the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and mobilise industry and companies with available opportunities in the export market.
“My visit to Cross River is to identify companies and industries that can export agricultural products and make them work together with NEXIM Bank, for them to get the necessary information needed from the Bank.
“So far with what I have seen in this familiarisation visit, I am very impressed with the industries in the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ).
“The chapter is willing to partner with NEXIM Bank in the export of Syringes, rubber, transformers, recycling products and other agricultural products in the zone.
In his reaction, the Regional Head of NEXIM Bank Calabar office, Mr Soni Osaghale, said what MAN was doing was part of NEXIM Bank’s focus for export.
“We are set up as an Export Credit Agency (ECA), we understand the export market, do advisory services for the export market; our target is to drive export to earn foreign exchange for the government.
He added that NEXM Bank was ready to partner with MAN in the promotion of export goods in line with AfCFTA agreement.