PH Chamber of Commerce, NEPC to work on boosting non-oil exports

The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA) said it is set to work closely with the Nigerian Export Promotions Council (NEPC) to eliminate all impediments in policy and regulation militating against the development and promotion of non-oil export in the country.

Emi Membere-Otaji, president of PHCCIMA made this known when the zonal controller of Nigerian Export Promotions Council, Mike W. Nworgu led top management of NEPC to the PHCCIMA office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Membere-Otaji described export promotion as the new direction that would take the place of crude oil in Nigeria, hence the need to support the campaign against stifling policies; and review enabling laws to put things in the right perspective.

The PHCCIMA boss said the dwindling oil revenues occasioned by global fall in crude oil prices, has made it imperative to thrust out in encouraging export of the country’s products and resources beside oil.

“We are encouraged by the diversification effort of the Federal Government and we believe it’s the right time to take advantage, through a private sector driven initiative to promote expansion of non-oil exports,” he said.

He assured the NEPC delegation that PHCCIMA through its Import/Export & General Merchandise Trade Group would continue to interface in order to actualize the quest for seamless exportation of non-oil products in the country.

PHCCIMA Treasurer, Maraizu Uche in his remark told the NEPC delegation that the zeal, dynamism and direction of the new administration were the emphasis on business and relevant initiatives that can stimulate businesses and the economy of the state.

Similarly, PHCCIMA Financial Secretary, Walter Otunyo pledged the Chamber’s support in the area of research to enable industrialists take advantage to develop the export sector.

The zonal controller of NEPC, Mike W. Nworgu said “NEPC is a Federal Government agency charged with the responsibility of promoting non-oil export in Nigeria; to diversify from oil, and build a formidable economy.”

According to him, government has identified 13 exportable products that would replace oil; adding that with the new development, the crunch being experienced around the country can be a blessing in disguise for the country.

“NEPC is poised to sustain the promotion of non-oil exports as the key driver of the Nigerian economy, and synergizing with the likes of PHCCIMA will help in no small measure to actualize this lofty objective of NEPC,” Nworgu said.

He commended PHCCIMA’s commitment at ensuring that businesses thrive within Port Harcourt and beyond.

BEN EGUZOZIE