February 10, (THEWILL) – The Nigerian Export Promotion Council NEPC has called on the Cross River state government to join the global export trade map by maximizing it’s strategic geographic location.
The NEPC believes that the strategic geographical location of the state which ensures access by air, water and land to the international market needs to be fully exploited.
Through this, revenues through export trade will be generated in order to boost the state economy and contribute to national GDP.
Trade Promotion Advisor, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Calabar Assistance Office Mr Omorogbe Damian stated this during a one day capacity building workshop.
The workshop dwelled on positioning Nigeria products in certified niche markets and was packaged by the agency for exporters in the state.
Damian also opined that the state government should develop necessary legal framework for the smooth commencement of activities by the Export Promotion Bureau set up by the state years ago.
Besides, they should also leverage on the existing synergy with federal MDAs to guarantee optimum utilization of the Calabar Port as well as the Calabar International Airport to kickstart the process.
According to the Trade Promotion Advisor, forty percent of Nigeria’s cocoa exports originate from Ikom in Cross River.
However, he said this is rather credited to Lagos state in view of the export status of the Lagos ports.
He described the scenario as an anomaly which must be addressed to facilitate optimum operations of other ports across the country.
He pledged that his primary mission in the state is to partner the government in exploring viable options for speedy transformation of the Calabar Port into a major export route.
Also speaking,the Chief Trade Promotion Officer, Mr Ayodele Sunday expressed delight at the impressive turnout noting that the training will educate participants on how to target and penetrate the international market with distinct peculiarities as obtainable in the United States, European Union and United Kingdom with their products and services.
The workshop featured presentations, interactions as well as questions and answers sessions.
Participants applauded NEPC for the Initiative and solicited for regular session.
About the Author
THEWILL Correspondent, Aniekan Bassey has over six years experience that spans across several fields in print journalism including development communication, sexual reproductive and health rights issues, crime, climate change, social justice, business and human interest stories.
