First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has assured its customers of its continued support, through funding and other initiatives, towards the growth of export trade business as the nation continues to strive to diversify the economy with focus on non-oil products.
The bank’s Executive Director, Business Development, Mr. Adam Nuru, made the pledge at a customer forum on export trade tagged: “Enhancing Capacity for Export Growth,” organised by the bank in Lagos.
The interactive and capacity building forum wasorganised by FCMB in partnership with the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Nigeria Export-Import Bank (NEXIM), Bank of Industry (BoI), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), Nigeria Agricultural Quarantine Services (NAQS), Federal Inspection Agency for Solid Minerals (FIASM).
Speaking at the forum, Nuru said that the bank had created various windows of opportunity to assist Nigerian exporters benefit optimally from the exportation of products. He listed some of the offerings of the bank in this regard to include pre and post-shipment financing/refinancing and discounting, provision of market information as well as advisory services.
The bank’s executive director explained that: “the customer forum is another way we demonstrate just how much we value our customers. It is also an opportunity to inform the market that we are truly on ground to support government and stakeholders in their efforts towards driving and growing export trade to boost non-oil revenue in the economy.”
Furthermore, Nuru urged exporters to ensure that products they export meet set standards so as to compete favourably in the international market.
He added: “as a bank that is committed to exceptional service delivery, we will continue to engage our customers and other stakeholders in various sectors of business in impactful ways.”
In his paper titled, ‘’Maximising Export Opportunities in Nigeria,” the Executive Director/Chief Executive, NEPC, Mr. Olusegun Awolowo, said there are several factors that work in favour of Nigerian exporters and should be explored to maximise their export potentials.
Awolowo, who was represented by a Deputy Director of the Council, Mrs. Evelyn Obidike, pointed out that Nigeria’s abundant natural resources and large population remains a veritable tool that should be leveraged by exporters to enhance their competitiveness in the international market.
He urged exporters, “to give the best to the packaging of their products to attract both local and international consumers,” adding that, “apart from the quality of products, packaging is a silent selling strategy explored by wise exporters to achieve mileage in their business.”
Also speaking at the forum, Executive Director, Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) at the Bank of Industry (BOI), Mr. Waheed Olagunju, said the lender places importance on export trade and how SMEs can be effectively empowered to play active roles in their business. – Thisday.
