PHCCIMA urges value addition for member businesses

The Port Harcourt Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mines and Agriculture (PHCCIMA), has said it will continue to prioritise processes that will generate greater value for member businesses.

The Chamber also assured of support for ideals that will encourage diversification from oil to agriculture, export and agro allied products, and services, including advocacy for the reinvention of the ports to ensure sustained business growth in the state and region.

The President, PHCCIMA, Dr Emi Membere-Otaji, who gave the assurance at the recently concluded second quarter (Q2) general forum of the Chamber held at the PHCCIMA Headquarters in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Membere-Otaji noted that PHCCIMA has grown substantially over the years and has been made more visible to potential local and foreign investors seeking healthy partnerships.

He urged members not to relent, but to always take advantage of relevant information provided by the Secretariat, and the robust network of trade groups fashioned to foster a conducive economic climate to thrive and add value to businesses.

He informed of the proposed visit of Singaporean Business & Investment Delegation to Port Harcourt, which among others, will engage, educate, network and seal business collaborations with interested PHCCIMA members. He also reminded them that PHCCIMA is marking its 60th anniversary this year, to be celebrated elaborately towards the year end.

The Q2 forum also provided another opportunity for members to network, and get relevant economic and business information, vis-à-vis the keynote entitled: “Analysis of 2017 Federal Government Budget and Summary of the Federal Government Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) 2017 to 2020 with Implications on Businesses.”

The Managing Director/CEO Peirce Green Associates Ltd., Samuel Ekpuk, in the keynote, analysed the recently signed Nigerian budget in terms of prospects and challenges, and emphasised the need to look beyond oil to other businesses.
He charged the Rivers State Government to develop Trans Amadi as Special Economic Zone, and benefit from the federal government incentives for such areas.

He stressed the need for government at all levels to facilitate the ease of doing business, access to credit and tax reforms, saying that Nigeria has what it takes in terms of potential and other indices to overcome inherent challenges.

Speaking on: “Sourcing for Business Funds from Capital Market and Benefits of Listing on the Stock Exchange,” the Deputy Director, Nigerian Stock Exchange in Rivers State, A. Ubong, educated members on the many benefits of listing their businesses on the equities market.

Goodwill messages were presented by the Permanent Secretary Rivers State Ministry of Agriculture, Dr. Adolphus Nweke;  the Assistant Controller General, Nigerian Customs Service in Charge of Zone C, Port Harcourt ACG Sanusi A. U.; and Representative of the Ports Manager NPA, Port Harcourt.

Other participants at the forum included representatives of the Branch Controller Central Bank of Nigeria; Standard Organisation of Nigeria; Nigerian Export Promotion Council; Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission; Nigerian Immigration Service.

Also in attendance were Hon. Enemi A. George, Chairman House Committee on Commerce and Industry; Dr. A. C. Nweyilobu Permanent Secretary Ministry of Commerce and Industry; and Mrs Chinelo Ejeh Zonal Coordinator NAFDAC, Rivers state.

The main highlight of the event was when the Hosting Company, Ntel Communication Nigeria, gave out N60,000-worth android phones or N30,000 to interested members and staff.

Other highlights were the launching of the 3rd edition of Commerce Port Harcourt Magazine, presentation of membership certificates to members, and more.