By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Managing Director of Export and Sell Limited, Mr Nduka Udeh, has advised entrepreneurs selling for international markets to focus more on the proper packaging of their products if they intend to succeed.
He said this at the Ecobank MySME Growth Series webinar designed to empower operators in the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) sector in Nigeria.
The event is part of the bank’s commitment to train over one million small business owners in various sectors of the economy in 2024.
In his presentation titled Earning FX by Exporting to USA and Canada, Mr Udeh agreed that SMEs in the country have great potential and opportunities to earn foreign exchange (FX) if their products are well branded and packaged to meet international standards.
According to him, exporters of SME products need to consider the nature of their products while packaging and making shipping arrangements as well as effective use of multi-sale channels in the US and Canada.
He said many foreign markets, particularly the United States and Canada, are interested in Nigerian products and the SMEs can gain greater penetration in these markets that have huge potential but sadly most of their products are often rejected because they are not properly packaged and lack necessary certifications.
“SME products from Nigeria have great potential in the export market. However, over 70 per cent of food products are held at entry points because exporters don’t pay attention to packaging, local licensing and certifications needed to meet US specifications.
“The right process can save you so much. Exporters should pay attention to products that would give them maximum profitability, low shipping costs and effective distribution channels. It is important for them to be familiar with the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA),” he said.
Mr Udeh, who is also Chairman of African Import Export Solution, Houston, Atlanta, US, advised exporters to explore the opportunities provided by Ecobank and his firm to train and support them on how to navigate the export market, adding that their products are in high demand, and they stand the chance to earn huge forex.
Adedapo Adesanya