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Ben Peters, Abuja
Nigerian Export Trade House, China and Far East Region was unveiled in China weekend by Zeenab Foods limited, in collaboration with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) .
The launch was her first Nigerian Export Trade House in China as a deliberate effort to boost the visibility of Nigerian non-oil products and foreign exchange earnings.
The Federal Government through the Nigerian Export Promotion Council [NEPC] came up with an initiative to set up Export Trade Houses across various regions of the world to facilitate Non-oil Export under the Export Expansion Facility Programme [EEFP].
In his speech at the launch, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Zeenab Foods, Victor Ayemere said it is a known fact that an export trade house helps to eliminate issues of trust and its associated risks between buyers and sellers , while it also provides verified off takers for various products amongst others services it renders across the export process and value chain.
He therefore seized the opportunity to seek an expansion of the protocol list of products for Nigeria with China to include other non-oil exportable products from our rich base of products in Nigeria such as Cassia Tora seeds, Soya beans, Peanuts, Sheer butter, Chilli pepper, Coconuts etc.
“Trade brings people together regardless of their geographic locations and when people come together, they are more likely to form relationship , build understanding and trust”.
It is with great pleasure that stand before you today to celebrate the commissioning of the first Nigerian Export Trade House in China here in Changsha Hunan Province today.
“This event marks a significant milestone in the history of trade.I would like to acknowledge the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian Export Promotion Council for entrusting Sora Zeenab with the setup and operation of the Nigerian Export Trade House China/foreast Region.
“This initiative from our government coupled with the acceptance and support from the Chinese government registers among the long list of positive developments in the bilateral relations between both countries.
“The opportunities presented by this development include increased visibility and accessibility of made in Nigeria goods comprising agro-commodities and value added finished products here in China, increased foreign trade dealings and earnings between
both countries, and a better balance of trade .
“We are also gratefu for the support from the Chinese Government and their commitment to promoting trade and investment between our countries.
“The recent approvals we got under the General Administration of Customs of the Peoples Republic of China (GACC), has enabled us increase our export activities into China.
“Back at home in Nigeria, it is expected and encouraged that all existing and would be exporters will leverage on the advantages obtainable in working through the Nigerian Export Trade House here in Changsha Hunan Province, thereby triggering significant growth, productivity and employment.
“Finally , I salute the courage,commitment and cooperation of al our valued partners, we will continue to work assiduously with all cross border compliance and continuous
improvement in our Operations to take this enormous prospect to greater heights.”
Also, Nigerian Ambassador to the Peope’s Republic of China, Baba Ahmad Jidda said the launch of the Nigerian Trade House in China signified the need for aggressive marketing to increase productivity, enhance expansion and facilitate economic growth through non-oil export for the Nigerian Economy.
” This initiative is “also a way of addressing the ever-increasing challenge of dwindling revenue from oil as the world is fast moving away from oil to renewable energy. The launch of the Export trade house in Changsha, Hunan province of China, will compliment the effort of our missions as a veritable means of increasing the export of Nigeria’s Non-Oil products. It is therefore a very welcome development.
“It is by no means a coincidence that, Changsha, in Hunan province of China is selected for the launch of the Nigerian Export Trade House. This is because, China as an important bilateral partner of relations and the two countries, on different platforms, noted that the relationship has been fruitful and witnessed so many positive achievements since its formal establishment five decades ago. Both countries have been consolidating on the political foundation of this relationship, being guided by the principles of mutual trust, in building a practical cooperation and strategic partnership on win-win basis.”.
