PH Chamber Of Commerce & Nigerian Export Promotion Council To Work Closely Against Impediments To Non-Oil Exports

Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce has said it will work closely with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council, NEPC to eliminate all impediments in policy and regulation militating against development and promotion of non oil export in the country.

Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, President of Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce, made this known when the Zonal Controller Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mr. Mike W. Nworgu led top management of NEPC to the PHCCIMA office in Port Harcourt. He described export promotion as the new direction that will 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.

He said the dwindling oil revenue occasioned by global fall in crude oil price has made it imperative to add thrust in encouraging export of our products and resource beside oil. “We are encouraged with 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., assuring the NEPC delegation that PHCCIMA through its Import/Export & General merchandise trade group will continue to interface in order to actualize the quest for seamless exportation of non-oil products in our country.

PHCCIMA Treasurer, Dr Maraizu Uche in his remark had told the delegation that the zeal, dynamism and direction of the new administration was the emphasis on business and relevant initiatives that can stimulate businesses and the economy of the state. Similarly, PHCCIMA Financial Secretary, Dr. A. Walter Otunyo had pledged support in the area of research to enable industrialists take advantage to develop the export sector.

Earlier on the Zonal Controller of NEPC, Mr. Mike W. Nworgu had congratulated the new PHCCIMA administration. He 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 will replace oil, adding that with the new development the crunch experienced can be blessing in disguise for the country.

"NEPC is poised to sustain 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" he said. He commended PHCCIMA’s commitment at ensuring that businesses thrive within Port Harcourt and beyond.