Imo GovT, NEPC Train MSMEs in Quality Branding For Export

The Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), in conjunction with the Imo State government, has organised a one-day training in Owerri for Micro Small and Medium Enterpreneurs (MSMEs) on quality branding methods for export.

In her welcome address, the executive director of NEPC, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, highlighted the importance of attractive branding and packaging “to attract interest from potential buyers”.

Ayeni, represented by the Imo NEPC coordinator, Mr Anthony Ajuruchi, spoke on the theme, “Packaging, Labelling and Branding Products for Export”.

She admonished MSMEs to embrace the culture of tidy packaging and design for competitive advantage in the export market.

She also urged them to “seek to upgrade the appearance of export products to globally acceptable standards “to give them a better chance of survival in the highly competitive global market.

“The appearance of a product says a lot about its efficacy and market acceptability, hence the need for our utmost efforts in branding and packaging for best results,“ Ayeni said

She thanked exporters in the state for their resilience in the face of competition and dwindling trade, and urged them to seek more ways to make their products both viable and profitable.

The Commissioner for Entrepreneurship, Skill Acquisition and Social Responsibilities, Prof. Chinonye Moses, said the State Government remained committed to partnerships with MSMEs that would drive economic growth and provide foreign exchange.

Also, the permanent secretary of the ministry, Mrs Ifeoma Ibeka, hailed the role of MSMEs in driving local content growth.

Ibeka urged the participants to insist on patenting their products to reduce the spate of fake, poor quality products.

NAN reports that the workshop was attended by representatives of the Technology Incubation Centre, Raw Materials Research and Development Centre and the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria, among others. (NAN)