NEPC Urges Entrepreneurs In Ebonyi To Improve Export Investments

Entrepreneurs in Ebonyi have been encouraged by the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) to increase their economic activities to become major global players in the export of their products.

The Trade Promotion Advisor, Abakaliki Export Assistance Office of the council, Emmanuel Unanam made the call in Abakaliki on Friday at a one-day seminar for Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the state.

According to him, SMEs in Ebonyi have also engaged in various export processes and activities just like other states but had not performed optimally in contributing to the current economic diversification drive.

“SMEs in the different products value chains in the state can also increase their activities to become major global players in the export of their products.

“The NEPC has made concerted efforts at stopping over-dependence of the Nigerian economy on oil through a commitment to export diversification.

“This prompted the articulation of its zero-oil plan initiative the main purpose is to have an economy that does not depend on oil to survive.

“The current export for survival campaign of the council is premised on massive production of pre-qualified and selected products (primary, semi-processed and processed) products.

“We assure you of always working with SMEs and other critical stakeholders to achieve our collective dream of a vibrant and sustainable economic growth through non-oil exports,” he said.

Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Christiana Ukwuta, thanked the NEPC for the seminar, adding that the state government would always identify with such ideals.

“The state government realises the importance of SMEs in developing its economy as it offers them several interventions such as empowerment initiatives, funds to commence businesses among others,” she said.