Owerri, Nov 1, 2023: The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) has pledged to facilitate improved access to Trade Support Institutions (TSIs) for exporters in Imo.
The new Executive Director of the NEPC, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, made the pledge at a one day strategic engagement between exporters, Small and Medium Enterprises and TSIs in Owerri, on Tuesday.
Ayeni, represented by NEPC’s Coordinator in Imo, Mr Anthony Ajuruchi, said that the TSIs which include governmental and non-governmental agencies will work in close cooperation to support exporters of non oil products.
He advised intending exporters to register with the relevant government agencies such as the NEPC and the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) so as to improve their accessibility to TSIs.
“ NEPC will continue to provide advice and support to existing and intending exporters who meet registration and other requirements.
“ Also some exporters find it challenging to meet acceptable standards, we want to assure them that these requirements are not a constraint. Once they can meet the requirements, we will help them access funding sources “, Ayeni said.
Speaking the Area Manager for the UBA , Mr Chibuzor Nnorom, said that the bank would readily provide financial support for existing businesses that are CAC certified and can provide a collateral.
Also, Imo state Manager of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Association of Nigeria (SMEDAN), Mrs Ifeoma Onyia, advised exporters to register with SMEDAN and generate access code for access to Government loans and other interventions.
He added that Cooperative Associations can only be registered by SMEDAN if only the group has been registered for at least two years.
Mr Ugochukwu Nwankwo, the Centre Manager, Technology Incubation Centre in Imo, said the centre would continue supporting the efforts of entrepreneurs by commercializing research and development results for revenue growth.
He advised exporters to seek help from appropriate persons in the different TSIs so as not to be defrauded by the wrong persons.
Some of the exports products displayed by their manufacturers were moringa powder, honey, oven dried fish, improved Vitamin A garri, honey, green tea and grease , among others.
The event was also attended by representatives of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria and the Raw Materials Research and Development Council in Imo.
