NEWS
Abia Targets Global Market Visibility with Aba Export Lab
Abia State Government has slated July 8 this year for the launch of ‘Aba Export Lab,’ to provide a platform for export development within the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Okey Kanu disclosed this during a press conference in Umuahia.
Kanu described the Export Lab as a major initiative under the growth exports pillar of Otti’s economic rejuvenation agenda.
He said the lab will provide targeted interactions to help businesses identify viable international markets for Made-in-Abia products and strengthen their internal capabilities while initiating export activities.
The Commissioner said that the programme was designed to run for six months in the first instance, with twenty carefully selected and qualified businesses to be chosen as pilots.
“The commissioning of this Export Lab signals a strategic shift towards the export-led industrialisation drive in Abia State, which Aba had the forefront as the state’s industrial and innovation hub,” Kanu said.
“The primary purpose of the Export Lab is the provision of a platform for export development within the state.”
Okey Kanu flanked by Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mike Akpara, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, Mr. Odinakachi Emeh and
Principal Secretary and Chief Strategist Officer of the state, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzukwu at the briefing
Kanu pointed out that the event would deliver export strategies, verify market needs, and initial export transactions for about 20 or more Aba-based businesses primarily targeting the African market.
He said that the programme was done in partnership with some development partners and would result in significant improvements in internal business capabilities, such as pricing, product adaptation, packaging, and international certifications.
He further added that the strategic focus areas would be on products that offer clear strategic advantages and self-established markets, with Akwete clothes as the number one.
“Akwete is a geographical indication product, a product of origin with protected cultural and commercial identity. It is a product that the state is willing to take to the world.
“And it will form one of the focus products that businesses that are involved in the production will feature in the Export Lab.”
Lending his voice, the Commissioner for Industry and SMEs, Mike Akpara explained that the government wanted to activate what Aba is known for and instil confidence into the producers.
“Before now, we call Aba the Japan of Africa. What it means is that we can produce anything. We want to produce there in Aba.
“And the point is that, yes, a lot of things come up from Aba, but in branding, they will now write made in Japan, made in Brazil, and whatever for lack of confidence.
“So what the Export Growth Lab is going to do is to instil confidence into the producers. They will be taught also how to package their goods to meet international standards.
“It is very important that they do that, because that is the only way the goods can compete favourably in the international markets. So these are part of the thing the Export Growth Lab is going to do.
Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Multilateral and Donor Agencies, Mr. Odinakachi Emeh and
Principal Secretary and Chief Strategist Officer of the state, Mr. Chinenye Mba-Uzukwu affirmed that the partnership with UNDP, UNIDO and other development partners will boost the businesses and restore the economic hub for which Aba is known.
They noted that the government is providing the enabling environment for businesses to thrive, adding that the Export Lab would provide employment opportunities.