Ben Ezechime, Enugu
The Federal Government has granted license for a Domestic Export Warehouse in Akwuke community within Enugu in order to facilitate international export trade within the South-East and beyond.
Dr Uchenna Anikwe, an Export Consultant, disclosed this during a 3–day seminar on Empowering Businesses with Information on International (Export) Trade held in Onitsha on Tuesday.
The seminar was organised by Ski-Business Solutions Limited in collaboration with Fecan International Limited and Denca Services.
Anikwe said that the warehouse would hopefully be functional before the end of the year, adding that it would ease the bottleneck involved in export in the region.
He said that with the warehouse in place and the right information and knowledge; the stage is set for them to embark on successful international ventures.
According to him, these will create confident in our businessmen, potential exporters and upcoming exporters’ ability to navigate the complexities of global trade and build a strong presence on the international stage.
Anikwe, who is one of Ski-Business Solutions’ trusted consultants, said the three-day seminar at various locations in the commercial town would equip local businesses in the South-East with the necessary tools and knowledge to expand their global reach.
He said: “The series of seminars for three-day is aimed at educating local entrepreneurs and enterprises on the complexities of exportation and provided valuable insights into the export process proper.
“It also aimed at raising awareness among participants regarding the significance of exports to the Nigerian economy.
“We are emphasised the advantages of engaging in exportation and providing valuable insights on identifying export products, sourcing strategies, and the major reasons for attendees to seriously consider venturing into exports.”
Anikwe, who is also the Traditional Ruler of Diogbe community in Igbo Etiti Local Government Area of Enugu State, said that the seminar would explore all the rudiments and fundamental aspects of exporting goods and services.
Dr Pauline Obianuko, from Raw Materials and Research Development Council, noted the importance of leveraging research, innovation and technological-digital platforms to streamline export operations.
Obianuko, who was one of the facilitators, said the seminar was meant to equip entrepreneurs with invaluable insights to effectively position their offerings in the global marketplace.
Mr Emmanuel Nwalor, from the Export Department of Fidelity Bank, spoke on networking opportunities, fostering an environment of collaboration and knowledge sharing among entrepreneurs who shared similar aspirations for exporting.
Nwalor, who was one of the facilitators, explained the intricacies of international trade and provided practical guidance on managing risks and establishing robust supply chains as well as what one can export.
Mrs Queen Onyinye-Okpa, CEO of SkiBusiness Solutions LTD, expressed her satisfaction with the success of the seminars, adding: “We aimed at empowering local businesses and enable them to seize opportunities in the global market.”
According to Onyinye-Okpa, we believe that sharing knowledge and expertise is crucial for their success.
She assured of the company’s commitment to providing entrepreneurs with the knowledge and tools they need to unlock their global potential resonated well with attendees, who expressed gratitude for the actionable insights provided.
The Chairman of Ski-Business Solutions Limited, Chief Mac Itachu, said the seminar was the company’s private sector initiative to create awareness on the need for business people (importers) to understand the need for export of non-oil products.
Itachu said that engaging in export business would make it easier for importers to have access to foreign exchange.
One of the participants, Mr Francis Okoro, said that the seminar had highly enlightened him on how best and standard practice for export.
“I know this seminar will go a long way and gradually turn most importers to exporters in the South-East,” Okoro said.
