Exporters should embrace digitalization – NEPC
The Executive Director of the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC), Barr. Olusegun Awolowo has urged Nigerian exporters to align their businesses with digital technologies to reach larger global market.
Awolowo stated this during a One-day Internet Training Workshop on Digital Realignment for Exporting Business organized by NEPC headquarters, Abuja held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital, recently.
The NEPC boss, represented by Mr Adenusi Adeyinka, the Senior Trade Promotion Officer, ICT unit argued that the internet has created a new world with over I billion people shopping online, stressing that digital economy becomes the way forward.
Awolowo emphasized that with huge number of people shopping online, export businesses must move away from physical space and take advantage of relevant technology to deliver their products and services efficiently.
“Today, statistics show that over one billion people shop online globally while over three trillion dollars is traded as well.
“This is a clear justification of the size and value of the virtual market that is available for online users. All this can be implemented through laptops, tablets and smart phones for ease of access.
“The world is going digital, and export businesses must leverage on relevant technology to deliver their products and services efficiently. It is a means to leapfrog competitiveness and efficiency for businesses into a virtual space of limitless opportunities,” he said.
Meanwhile, in her welcome address, the Deputy Director and Trade Promotion Advisor of NEPC,Uyo Assistance Office, Mrs Pauline Ndulaka lauded the Federal Government for her commitment towards rejigging the economy by investing hugely on non-oil sector.
Ndulaka, who was represented by the Head of Product and Market, Mr Peter Udom maintained that for exporters to remain relevant and enhance their businesses, they must key into the use of digital technology and make money virtually from global market.
Speaking on the topic: Digital Alignment for Export Oriented Business (Intro), Mr John Obi, an ICT Consultant regretted that a lot of advancements have been made and many nations were yet to link up and make fortunes from the abounding opportunities.
He further admonished the government to invest more on digital infrastructure particularly, expansion of broadband coverage to ensure easy access to the internet by everyone.
Delivering his remarks, the State Commissioner for Trade and Investment, Mr Ukpong Akpabio commended both the agency and the federal government for their efforts in strengthening the non-oil sector.
The Commissioner represented by his Director, Mr Aniefiok Ukpong stated that the state will continue to work closely with NEPC for the betterment of the nation.
