Adedapo Adesanya
By Adedapo Adesanya
The Cross River and Akwa Ibom chapters of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) have expressed their intention to partner with the Nigerian Export-Import (NEXIM) Bank to enhance exports from both states.
The chairman of the chapter, Mr Akin Oyediran, expressed this on Saturday during his visit to identify industries that could export agricultural products in Cross River to help them partner effectively with NEXIM Bank.
He said under his watch, the group would key into the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) and mobilise industry and companies with available opportunities in the export market.
“My visit to Cross River is to identify companies and industries that can export agricultural products and make them work together with NEXIM Bank to get the necessary information from the bank.
“So far, with what I have seen in this familiarisation visit, I am very impressed with the industries in the Calabar Free Trade Zone (CFTZ).
“The chapter is willing to partner with NEXIM Bank in the export of Syringes, rubber, transformers, recycling products, and other agricultural products in the zone.
In his reaction, the Regional Head of NEXIM Bank Calabar office, Mr Soni Osaghale, said what MAN was doing was part of NEXIM Bank’s focus for export.
“We are set up as an Export Credit Agency (ECA); we understand the export market and do advisory services for the export market; our target is to drive export to earn foreign exchange for the government.
He added that NEXM Bank was ready to partner with MAN in the promotion of export goods in line with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement.
