By; PATRICK TITUS, Uyo
Accessing the international market through trade information and enhanced capacity building, remain significant in the digitalisation of the world of e-commerce.
This informed the need for training of potential exporters, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Akwa Ibom on how to tackle export challenges to boost the country’s gross domestic product (GDP).
The Chief Executive Officer of NEPC, Dr. Ezra Yakusak spoke during a one-day workshop for exporters and SMEs organised by the Trade Information Department, Abuja in Uyo on Friday.
The theme of the programme, “Addressing Challenges Faced by Exporters/SMEs On E-Registration, Enquires, and Complaints in Export Business”, he said was apt in view of the current challenges.
He stated that many exporters still encounter challenges in accessing the global market due to an inadequate understanding of e-registration guidelines and the rudiments of doing export business.
Yakusak, represented by the Director, State Coordinating Office Department, Mr Andy Ambikputen insisted that 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.
“As you are aware, accessing the International market through trade information, and enhanced capacity building has become increasingly significant in recent times due to the digitalisation of the world of e-commerce.
“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 added.
In her welcome address, the deputy director of NEPC in Uyo, Mrs Pauline Ndulaka urged the exporters to remain committed to export business for the country to achieve the diversification drive of the economy.
Ndulaka, who doubles as the State Coordinator of NEPC, reiterated that the Council will continue to enlighten all the potential exporters and stakeholders in the export value chain by providing reliable information on the intricacies of preparing for export.
Delivering his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr Camillus Umoh lauded NEPC for its efforts in actualizing the vision of the federal government.
Umoh, represented by the Director of Commerce, Mr. Aniefiok Idiong who declared the event opened, assured that the Ministry will continue to partner with the council to boost export from the state.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture, Dr Offiong Offor noted that agriculture remains the key sector for export, adding that the state will always encourage export.
The NEPC Board Member/ DG ANE Obong Joseph Idiong advised Exporters and SME’s to always be Focused in their Export Business.
The event featured paper presentations which includes; NEPC E-registration and Trade Enquires and Complaints.
