FG plans int’l SMEs trade fair
Minister of State for Trade and Investment
The federal government has announced plans to organise a small and medium scale enterprises international trade fair in October, 2012.
It said this will be in conjunction with the National Association of Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (NASME).
The Minister of State for Trade and Investment, Dr Samuel Ortom, who hosted executive members of NASME in Abuja yesterday, reiterated government’s determination to develop the SMEs sub sector as a way of improving the economy’s ability to employ more Nigerians and create wealth.
“There is no successful country today which has not developed its SMEs since the sub sector contributes more significantly to the growth of any economy than the big businesses. “If we can even double the estimated 17 million SMEs we have in the country, our economy will be better for it. We are committed to that,” he stated.
He also disclosed that his ministry will, in conjunction with the concerned agencies under it, give all the logistic and financial support to the proposed trade fair.
Speaking earlier, President of NASME, Alhaji Ibrahim Garba Gusau said the proposed trade fair would, among other advantages, “Encourage business networking and fraternisation of ideas, create markets for local goods and services and encourage information sharing for made in Nigeria products.”
He also announced that a planning committee would be put in place to make sure the trade fair, expected to last for 6 days achieves set objectives.
Filed Under: Business News
