May 7, 2018

The Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC), says it will enhance opportunities for non-oil exporters to promote and increase their contribution to the nation’s economy.

Mrs Joyce Akpata, the Director-General of NACC, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that the chamber would create platforms that would assist manufacturers to explore international trade opportunities.

Akpata said that there was the need for concerted efforts to enhance non-oil sector growth through shift in policy focus and industrialisation strategy aimed at driving the economy on its path to sustainable growth and external viability.

She said that it was imperative for Nigerian businesses to align  appropriately to project their brand toward increasing export sales by maximising benefits of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA).

According to her, the chamber has evolved several programmes targeted at promoting the development of trade, commerce, investment and industrial technological relationships between the public and private sectors of Nigeria and their U.S. counterparts.

To this end, Akpata said that NACC would hold its 2nd African Food and Products Conference and Exhibition with the theme, “Non-oil Exports: Scaling up Productivity to Meet Global Demand.”

According to her, the programme which will hold from May 25 to May 26, is expected to be attended by more than 2,500 participants from Nigeria and U.S.

“This presents a viable opportunity for exhibiting companies to grow their sales, showcase their products to a target audience and strike million dollars international deals.

“Last year, the event had over 1,500 participants from within Nigeria and the United States and it produced about N185 million in actual and projected sales for the companies that exhibited.

“This year, we believe that double the sales would be achieved, and partnerships that would strengthen and boost bilateral trade between Nigeria and U.S would be forged,” she said.

Akpata said that the forum would also provide opportunities to gain business insight from industry experts and market leaders, enhance visibility, boost sales and increase contribution to Gross Domestic Product (GDP).