NEPC and JETRO in a workshop organised to strengthen their ties in Lagos, explained that profiling enhances the acceptance of product and its producer in the market.
Acting Zonal Coordinator, NEPC, Lagos, Mrs Evelyn Obidike noted that it was important for exporters to brand their products to meet international standards.
She said: “We observe that some of our exporters still don’t understand the importance of creating profile for their products and market especially to Japan. This is why we have brought experts from Japan to explain what is needed to meet Japan and other international markets.
“We also have a trade exhibition, otherwise known as Food fair aimed at promoting the development and diversification of Nigeria's export trade; assisting in promoting the development of export-oriented industries in Nigeria; provide technical assistance to local exporters in such areas as export procedure and documentation, transportation, financing, marketing techniques, quality control, export packaging, costing and pricing, publicity and in other similar areas.”
While urging Nigerians to patronise locally made products, Obidike advised manufacturers to get accustomed with export market requirements.
“Apart from exposing the exporters to opportunities in the Japanese markets, Nigeria is yet to maximise exports across countries of the globe. It is also important to develop exportation of value-added products to other countries and boost earnings from non-oil exports,” she added.
Trade Commissioner, JETRO, Lagos, Taku Hiroki, during the inspection of the exporters’ products counselled the exporters to improve on their packaging.
He said goods in the Japanese market were graded based on the quality of products; packaging; product and business profiling; and standardisation certification.
He said: “Before starting business, Japanese companies tend to do a thorough research about the profiles of the companies and the products involved. It is better to encourage exporters’ to start with semi-processed raw agricultural products in order to enhance market penetration.”
Executive Secretary, Cocoa Processors Association of Nigeria, Mr. Felix Oladujoye, who commended the organisations for the workshop, said the training has exposed them to the standard and requirements of the Japanese market.
http://www.dailytimes.com.ng/article/nepc-jetro-train-exporters-products-profiling
