Events | Slovenia Nigeria Chamber of Commerce

First Slovenia Trade Mission to Nigeria

by admin | Jun 6, 2016 | Events

REPORT ON THE 1ST SLOVENIA TRADE MISSION TO NIGERIA

09th March, 2016

The 1st Slovenia Trade Mission to Nigeria was organized by the Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and in collaboration with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Niger State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture. The events were held in Abuja (FCT) on the 9th of March, 2016, and in Minna, Niger state, Nigeria on the 10th of March, 2016. It was concluded with a courtesy visit to Institutions and companies within Abuja (FCT) on the 11th of March, 2016.

The delegation was made up of 5 Slovenian companies and a Croatian company as well as two member staff of the Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce.

The first day of the event held at Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry was well attended by over 80 Nigerian companies, officials from the Nigerian governmental institutions, business organisations etc… In attendance was also former Ambassadors and Head of Mission of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Budapest, Hungary.

The event started at about 11 am with the national anthem of both Nigeria and Slovenia. It was followed by a welcome address by the president of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye who in his remarks, said that the chamber would deepen the partnership with Slovenia to increase trade in both countries, given the current economic growth experienced in both countries. He further said that, the Nigerian economy was too large to be ignored by any country interested to trade or invest, particularly in Africa.

Ejinkonye traced the proposed Nigeria/Slovenia trade relation dated back to 2015, when the Abuja Chamber drafted an MoU in a bid to foster a bilateral relations with the Slovenia- Nigeria Chamber of Commerce.

Hajja Gana Wakil, Deputy Director at the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission who presented Investment opportunities in Nigeria also commended the effort of the Slovenia- Nigeria Chamber of commerce in leading the delegation to Nigeria. She added that the NIPC is equipped to facilitate interested Investors and businessmen from Slovenia to mitigate risks and do good business with good profit in the country.

The leader of the delegation, Mr. Fred Uduma in his keynote address said that the SNCC was determined to deepen the partnership with ACCI to facilitate trade, investment and promote opportunities between the countries with a view to increasing the trade volume. The president expressed concern that the vast trade opportunities in Nigeria were not being utilized. He said that the trade volume between Slovenian and Nigeria stood at 10.2 million Euros in 2014, adding that between January and June 2015, the volume stood at eight million Euros. He said the figures indicated that the vast trade opportunities were not being utilised and that the countries are not enjoying economic relations, adding that there was great need for improvement in the rate of trade volumes between both countries.

Uduma added that SNCC would provide the practical information and advice about Slovenian economy, business opportunities, and products of companies in the country.

He expressed optimism that the partnership with ACCI and other business organisations in the country would enable the business community of both countries have insights into available projects, trade and investment opportunities. Uduma encouraged both countries to engage each other in economic dialogue and bilateral negotiations.

Ambassador Dotun Adepoju, who was former Chargé d’affaires/Senior Counsellor at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Budapest, Hungary urged Nigeria and Slovenia to sign investment promotion and protection agreements to prevent the cost of trade between the two countries from rising. He said that given the enormous trade opportunities and disparity in laws of both countries, it was important to institute a working trade document to encourage trade and investment with Slovenia in the area of Mining and solid minerals development, waste management, Edudcation, Agriculture and Information Technology (IT).

In conclusion, he explained that the envisaged trade agreement when fully in place would define the terms and conditions of doing business in both countries.

The second session of the event was opened and closed with a presentation of the participating companies and was followed by a B2B and B2G meetings, coffee break, Networking and Lunch.

Present at this event Includes President, Portharcourt Chamber of Commerce, President, Nassarawa Chamber of Commerce, President, Enugu Chamber of Commerce, Chairman, Nigeria -China business council, Representative from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria, a Representative from Ministry of Solid Minerals Development, Chief Regulatory Officer of NAFDAC and many more…

10th March, 2016

In Partnership with the Niger State Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, The Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce with the delegation visited Minna, Niger State on the 10th of March, 2016.

The forum was well attended by over 60 business men and women and government officials from the state, The president of NCCIMA, Dr. Umar Ahmed Bakai commended the delegation for coming to Niger state. He expressed his commitment to forge a strong business partnership for mutual economic benefit with Slovenia through the Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of commerce. He further shared the economic potentials of the State in the area of Mining and Solid Minerals, Education, Agriculture and Energy.

Mr. Fred Uduma and the SNCC Country Director (Nigeria) Mr. Uche Udungwor respectively expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the business community and the membership of NCCIMA for their cooperation and partnership in the mission. Mr. Uduma in his remarks introduced Slovenia as a stable, vibrant democracy that offers a stimulating and low-risk business environment. Uduma said, Slovenia is a great place to visit or live or do business because of its beautiful natural landscapes, ancient historical sites and modern facilities, friendly and talented people and dynamic entrepreneurs. According to him, SNCC and partners were challenged to build a stronger foundation to facilitate trade, investment and promote opportunities that exist between the two countries, thereby increasing the trade volume and maximizing profit.

The second session was followed by the introduction of participating companies and company presentations, B2B and B2G meetings, coffee break, Lunch and official visit the Executive Governor of Niger State who was represented by the Niger State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad Ketso and six (6) State Commissioners.

11th March, 2016

The final day of the event began with personal and individually arranged B2B meetings, courtesy visits to Government Institutions, Media houses and companies within The Abuja municipality. (FCT)

In Conclusion, the whole idea of the event, its organization and the outcomes were highly welcomed and applauded by the participants as well as partners. It was an investment in the right direction from the companies’ side and an enlightenment for their quest to doing business in Nigeria. For our Chamber, it was a goal achieved in building, facilitating and promoting the Slovenia-Nigeria economic trade relations and opening up channels through which genuine and profitable business could be exchanged between both countries.

Our Recommendation is that such event should take place annually in both countries. As a follow up to the just concluded event, the Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Partners are putting together a High Level Business Forum that will take place in Ljubljana in October 2016. The theme of the event is: SLOVENIA-NIGERIA B2B FORUM.

We further recommend that the Slovenian government, relevant Institutions/agencies and other business organizations do support the effort of the Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce financially and otherwise to help this active and vibrant organization to effectively and efficiently execute it’s activities aimed at developing greater business relations between both countries.

We know the Land! We have the Team! We have the Knowledge & Capacity! We need your Support…

Fred Uduma

President, Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce

14 April, 2016

The Slovenia Trade Mission to Nigeria 8-12 March, 2016

by SNGZ | Feb 22, 2016 | Events, News

THE SLOVENIA TRADE MISSION TO NIGERIA

8 – 12 MARCH 2016

We are pleased to announce The Slovenia Trade Mission to Nigeria organized by Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia in partnership with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This mission, which will take place in Abuja (FCT) Nigeria from 8 – 12 March, 2016 is an important component of our Go Africa Project designed to open doors, provide B2B and B2G contacts, information exchange through direct networking and to position your business for export or investment success.

We invite you to Join this trade mission, which offers a unique opportunity to introduce and extend the reach of your business to the bustling and thriving market of Nigeria.

Venue: Int’l Trade Fair Complex, Abuja (FCT)
Time: 11am Daily

Why participate?

- Expand your business to one of the key global markets in Africa.
- Meet with company owners and key decision makers.
- Have a direct B2B and B2G meetings.
- Introduce your product and services directly to relevant partners in your sector.
- Establish business and institutional relations as a foundation for future business cooperation.
- Direct access to businessmen and investors seeking joint-venture partnership, Innovative products, new technology and FMCG.
- An opportunity to initiate, develop and conclude export partnerships.
- Gain insight to priority projects and opportunities for commercial activities that you can partake in.
Participation: Participation is open to companies and Individuals, interested in doing business in Nigeria or Slovenia, seeking partnership, distributors or representatives.

Draft program

Day 1 – 8^thMarch
	Departure: 11:35 am (Ljubljana) – Arrival: 23:25 pm (Abuja)
Day 2 – 9^thMarch
Morning	Welcome address and Presentations (Slovenian Companies)
Afternoon	Networking and One-on-One B2B and B2G meetings
Venue	Abuja International Trade Fair Complex, KM 8, Airport Road, Piwoyi, Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Day 3 – 10^thMarch
11:00 – 17:00 Venue	Presentations, Networking and One-on-One B2B and B2G meetings with Niger State Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Minna, Niger State) Abuja International Trade Fair Complex, KM 8, Airport Road, Piwoyi, Lugbe, Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.
Day 4 – 11^th March
10:00-17:00 00:25 pm	Optional courtesy visits to Government agencies, companies and project sites within Abuja (FCT) Networking and One-on-One B2B meetings Departure
Day 5 – 12th March
		Arrival 10:40 (Ljubljana)

To register, you are kindly requested to (Download) the event Registration Form and register your company / organization, enabling you to participate in all sessions as well as the B2B and B2G networking meetings.

Registration Form (Download)

Mission Package (Download)

For any additional questions, please contact Ambrož Vuga T: +38682054854, E: info@slovenia-nigeria.eu or Ante Milevoj (GZS), T:+38615898162, E: ante.milevoj@gzs.si orUche Udungwor (Esq) T: +2348033292110, E: ucheesq2000@gmail.com, Ibrahim Yahaya-Joe T: +2348023078143, E: iyjoe@corefmconsulting.com

This Trade Mission is organised in collaboration with Chamber of Commerce of Slovenia and in partnership with The Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCT) Abuja, Nigeria.

4TH AFRICA DAY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

by SNGZ | May 14, 2015 | Events, News

4TH AFRICA DAY INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE

Addressing New Development Challenges in Partnership

19–20 May 2015

(Conference working languages: English and French)

Under the aegis of the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia

H.E. Dr Milan Brglez

The International Center for Promotion of Enterprises (ICPE) is organizing the 4^th international Africa Day conference in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, the Club of Former Slovenian Ambassadors, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, and the International African Forum, to be held in Ljubljana on 19 and 20 May 2015.

Under the title ‘Addressing New Development Challenges in Partnership’, this year’s conference will bring together representatives of the political, business, academic, and cultural spheres from Slovenia and other European and African countries, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.

The two-day event will be held under the aegis of the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia, H.E. Dr Milan Brglez. The first day, hosted by the International Center for Promotion of Enterprises, will comprise three panels focused on development cooperation, marking the European Year for Development 2015, on the interconnectedness of development, business and multiculturalism, as well as on the role of the African diaspora in the relations between Slovenia and Africa. The second day will be hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and will be devoted to examples of good practice in development cooperation assistance, investment opportunities and intensifying business cooperation.

We would be pleased to welcome you to the conference.

For your reference please find the summary report of the successful 2014 conference that focused on the topic of investing in people HERE. Please find the program attached HERE and the concept paper HERE.

To register please click here.

For further information you can contact us at:

Phone: +386 1 568 23 31 or

email: info@icpe.int

EU-Africa B2B Forum

by SNGZ | May 13, 2015 | Events, News

The EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Euronews as a main media partner organized and hosted the 1st edition of the EU-Africa B2B Forum in Mons (Belgium),

This high level Business-to-Business (B2B) event brought together over five hundred 500 business professionals to discuss mutual opportunities, expectations and needs. The EU-Africa B2B Forum enabled business contacts between professionals from African and European private sectors, but also between European businesses themselves. The Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce was represented by its president Mr. Fred Uduma. The Chamber in partnership with EU-Africa Chamber of Commerce will in the future host this event in the city of Ljubljana, Slovenia. The B2B meetings took a predominant part of the event, but the EU-Africa B2B Forum also offered sessions for investment pitches and on key topics such as Energy, ICT, Mining & Raw Materials, Agro-business, Rail & Road, Business Law and Tourism.

Report on Nigeria Import Export Business Briefing 23 April, 2015

by SNGZ | May 4, 2015 | Events, News

Today’s Business breakfast that was organised by Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia and Business in Africa Pays aimed to highlight Nigeria’s business environment and opportunities for cooperation with Slovenia.

The acting director of International Relations Department at Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia, Ante Milevoj, in his opening speech expressed satisfaction with the interest of Slovenian business community to do business with Nigeria, which is extremely interesting potential market, although the current Slovenian exports to Nigeria in 2014 stood at € 10 million, while exports from Nigeria to Slovenia reached only € 2,000. He stressed the fact that the CCIS in partnership SNCC will continue with its efforts to help Slovenian companies seeking to enter Nigerian market with information activities, business events, networking and integration, as well as with organizing business delegation to Nigeria which is expected for this autumn. Fred Uduma, president of the Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, welcomed the participants and declared the business briefing as an introduction to International trade in Nigeria designed to inform and to share insights about Importing and Exporting to Nigeria enabling companies or individuals interested in exporting to Nigeria to understand the processes, legislation’s, taxes, customs, certifications, Import and Export prohibitions and Licencing. Mr Uduma was critical about the small-scale of business cooperation between the two countries taking into account the 2014 trade volume between the two countries. He said that Slovenian companies need more information and support while making business contacts, for which was ultimately intended today’s business breakfast briefing. He emphasized on the huge business opportunities for both export and import from Nigeria. In his closing remarks, he said making the right decision when entering Import Export trade in Nigeria is paramount to your understanding of the sector and it’s regulations.

Estelle Mann, who works for a UK company Intertek and coordinator of SONCAP – Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program presented the organization SON and program SONCAP. She stressed that Exporters/Importers trading with Nigeria need to comply with the requirement of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria Conformity Assessment Program in order for their goods to clear customs, failure to do so can result in severe delays in goods clearance, penalties or even shipments being returned to shipper. The program which was first implemented in 2005 and new directives in 2013 is a set of conformity assessment and verification procedures applicable to all products imported in Nigeria except those under the exemption list. Intertek is the longest serving Conformity Assessment Program partner and approved by SON Nigeria to issue product certificates and certificates of conformity for goods exported to Nigeria.

Stephanie E. Trpkov, Management Consultant at Strategic Corporate Communications spoke about building a successful trans-national partnership between Nigeria and South-Eastern Europe. She stressed that companies, willing to enter Nigerian market, in addition to knowledge of legislation and tax regulation, customs procedures and financing, have to pay attention to cultural differences which can because of a lack of understanding sometimes complicate cooperation. Companies should consult embassies, chambers of commerce, business networks etc. for information and verification of potential business partners.

Damir Kapitanovič, head of export at Wine Cellar Goriška Brda presented their experience of exporting to Nigeria. He said Nigeria is interesting market for them as wine is the fastest growing product among alcohol beverages. He described cooperation with local partner and mentioned high import duties and lengthy procedures for obtaining relevant documents for exporting to Nigeria. The event was supported by Goriška Brda.

During the Q&A session, participants pointed out in particular the problem of obtaining entry visas for Nigerian citizens. Mr Remigius Obioma Nzewuji, Head of Chancery and Senior Counsellor Nigerian embassy to Budapest said that in current circumstances when Slovenia has no embassy in Nigeria, Nigerian business partners should explore other ways to acquire it (travelling to other schengen countries and visiting Slovenia). He advised on particular questions of Slovenian IT company.

The event was closed with interaction among participants and a test of Goriška Brda finest champagne.