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.
by SNGZ | Jan 23, 2015 | Events, News
2nd Annual General Assembly Meeting
The management board of the Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce cordially invites you to attend our 2nd Annual General Assembly Meeting
Wednesday 11th February, 2015
16:00 – 18:00
Dunajska cesta 104, 1000 Ljubljana
Registration and reception 16:00 – 16:30
Business meeting: 16:30 – 18:00
Join us to learn what we do and network with our members
For more information, contact us at info@slovenia-nigeria.eu
Management
We Strive To Take You There!
by SNGZ | Nov 4, 2014 | Events, News
On the occasion of the First Year Anniversary Lecture of the Slovenian-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce with the theme: Prospects, opportunities and challenges of doing business in Nigeria, which was held at the Chamber of commerce and industry in Slovenia on 21st of October, 2014 witnessed about 25 Slovenian companies, Institutions and other interest groups.
At the beginning of the plenary section Mr. Aleš Cantarutti, director of the International relations department of the Chamber of commerce and industry of Slovenia, host institution in the event welcomed the participants. In his opening remarks, Mr. Cantarutti, said the cooperation between the CCIS and SNCC is vital and important in increasing the knowledge about opportunities in doing business in Nigeria and Vice versa as well as promoting economic relations by cooperating with City Chambers and other institutions in Nigeria. He said CCIS and SNCC will work together to take a delegation of Slovenian companies to Nigeria in the near future. He further indicated that the cooperation between Slovenia and Nigeria in terms of exports to Nigeria has increased by 20% at a face value of 6 million euros in 7 months. In conclusion, he expressed the problem Slovenian business community has in engaging their Nigerian partners, especially in the area of entry visa to Slovenia. He said they are in talks with relevant institutions to address the problem.
Opening remarks were further given by Mr. Janez Podobnik, acting director general of the International Center for the promotion of enterprises (ICPE), an institution which is also one of the founding members of the Chamber.
A representative of another founding member, namely Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Budapest, Hungary was presented by Mr. R. Obioma Nzewuji, Senior Counselor/ Head of Chancery, who greeted Slovene entrepreneurs and delivered a message from His Excellency, Ambassador Eddy Onuoha, Ambassador, Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Budapest, Hungary. In his address, he emphasized the importance of greater economic bilateral relations between both countries. He said the Embassy in partnership with SNCC is prepared to help Slovenian companies establish in Nigeria.
The opening address was lastly has given by Mr. Fred Uduma, president of the Slovenia–Nigeria chamber of commerce, who thanked all of the attendees, organizers and sponsors of the event for their engagement and interest shown in connecting both countries. He said, the event is packaged to commemorate the establishment of the Chamber as well as to open new vistas of business cooperation and raise awareness of the growing business opportunities in Nigeria. Furthermore, he said, Our Mission, We Strive to take you there, and our vision to be the platform for genuine, positive and real trade and investment drive, reflects on the achievements and strong network built during this one year of operation. Our two point strategy of building foundation and maximizing trade and investment is a key indicator of our effort to build reliable and sustainable partnerships, as well to play a key role in matters that will promote sustainable concept in education, entrepreneurship, innovations, import and export, technological development and transfer, foreign direct investment and economic diplomacy.
He expressed that, despite the challenges of Human resources and financial resources faced by the chamber, his team is irrevocably committed to be professional and efficient in delivering our tasks and will continue to exert our best endeavors to bringing Slovenian companies closer to the Nigerian market, establishing true and reliable partnerships, increasing the chamber network base and creating a unique platform for direct B2B meetings and information exchange. In conclusion Mr. Uduma said, the future of the Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce is one that is advancing and accomplishing the aims and objectives upon which it was established which will result to a stronger economic relations between Slovenia and Nigeria.
It was a formidable pleasure to listen to the lecture of Engr. Emeka Unachukwu, president of the Port Harcourt Chamber of commerce, industry, mines and agriculture and CEO of Morflex energy and power Ltd. In his presentation titled Prospects, opportunities and challenges of doing business in Nigeria, he firstly introduced quantitative indicators of Nigerian economy and continued with sectors presentation: oil and gas, agriculture, power, mining, ICT, infrastructure, hospitality, healthcare, and advised for investment and other kinds of cooperation with members of Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce, Slovenian business community and Port Harcourt chamber, located in city of 7 million inhabitants, and all around Nigeria. He expressed his wiliness and preparedness to support the effort of SNCC to increase Slovene export to Nigeria and greater friendship which once ought to be compared with these to Italy, Austria and Germany.
After his lecture Slovenian companies Agito, Gecko, Geoportal and Sinergise presented their products ans services.
The First Year Anniversary Lecture of the Slovenian-Nigerian chamber of commerce was closed with words of appreciation by Mr. Uduma to all the stakeholders, partners, sponsors and participants.
End of the plenary section was followed by B2B session and informal conversation between participants and guests.
Present at the event was SNCC legal adviser Barrister Tony Ayavoro with whom we had a field tour of companies across Slovenia.
Slovenia–Nigeria chamber of commerce in its effort to promote and facilitate trade and investment between the two countries will do its best to attract more stakeholders at the 2nd anniversary lecture in 2015 and on other meetings in the next months.
For pictures, visit the gallery section of our webpage www.slovenia-nigeria.eu
Sponsored by:
SARP d.o.o
by SNGZ | Sep 28, 2014 | Events, News
On the 25th of September, 2014 Slovenia-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce actively participated at the Ljubljana Forum. The president of the Chamber Mr. Fred Uduma presented a paper highlighting Africa’s potentials, Nigeria as a nation, Lagos as Africa’s commercial hub as well as possible cooperation with Central & South Eastern European cities.
Mr Uduma in his presentation said, The strength of Africa lies within the significant proportion of the world’s natural resources, including vast amount of minerals, oil and gas and other hydrocarbons, as well as large reserves of fertile, arable agricultural lands. Africa offers vast human resources; with over a billion populations, it has potential as a producer and a consumer, giving it a comparative advantage in international trade. Nevertheless, the long term sustainability of Africa’s potentials and opportunities will require a better connection of African economies into regional and global world market. Furthermore, speaking about Nigeria, he said, Relatively, Nigeria as Africa’s driving force and biggest economy has become an attractive market for businessmen around the world. In fact, it’s the largest and most important market in Africa and one of the most exciting emerging markets in which to trade or invest in. Nigeria today, is a country marked by profound economic change, offering great business opportunities in the fields of telecommunication, energy, mining, agriculture, oil and gas, tourism, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, banking and finance, services and manufacturing, ICT and the educational sector.
Pointing out on Africa’s development and smart cities, he said, Lagos the commercial hub of Nigeria, is building a smart city called Eko Atlantic. This project speaks to the kind of development and urbanization in recent years. The multi-billion dollar ambitious, dynamic new city is being built on a 9 square kilometers of land reclaimed from the Atlantic Ocean and when completed will not only change the face of Africa but will transform Lagos into a new financial epicenter of Africa.
In conclusion, Mr Uduma expressed that, establishing partnerships and sharing of knowledge, experiences and technology with Central & South Eastern European cities such as Ljubljana with Lagos as well as creating a new direct trade route between the port of Koper and Lagos port will not only foster economic cooperation and prosperity but will strengthen and improve economic ties.
by SNGZ | Jul 8, 2014 | Events, News
Doing Business in Nigeria requires a good knowledge of the local culture and business practices. This know-how knowledge is one of the basic conditions for a successful business transaction in Nigeria.
The 1st July, Business breakfast event held at the Slovenia Chamber of Commerce and Industry Slovenia highlighted Nigeria’s cultural etiquettes and its role when considering Nigeria in your go international projects.
The seminar started with a welcome address by;
Aleš Cantarutti, Director, International Relations Department Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia
Fred Uduma, President, Slovenian-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce
Preliminary facts were stressed out by all the speakers. Mr Tony Ayavoro, legal adviser of RenePort Ltd. On this occasion presented some important information about Nigeria, which consists of over 300 ethnic groups and a population of well over 178 million people. Comparing Slovenia and Nigeria business culture on time management, Mr Ayavoro said, In Slovenia, time is important and punctuality is a virtue. In Nigeria, time is flexible and people come before time. When a person is too conscious of time he can be viewed with suspicion and in some cases, do not expect meetings to start on time. In his presentation, he further exposed little facts to be mindful of; Developing good, long-term relationships in Nigeria are vital to business success. Long term vision and commitment and Likeable, friendly & genuine people are likely to succeed. Nigerians expect flexibility when working out the business details. Patience is critical to build long term rapport and Constant attention, adaptability & flexibility are required. He further stressed that Nigerians are very good negotiators so one must be prepared to compromise. Sending the right team, titles and age can influence perceptions in the negotiation.
The first step in entering the Nigerian market is a thorough investigation of the sector and verifying potential partners. In doing so, companies can turn to the Slovenian-Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, Embassy of Nigeria in Budapest or Slovenian Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Prior to the conclusion of the transaction, it is necessary to establish a good, long-term oriented relationships and partners to present a long-term vision and commitment. Positive attitude and condescension play a key role. Business requires a lot of attention, as well as adaptation and compromise. Always offer Handshake with the right hand, don’t receive or pass with the left hand.
Mr James Behan, director of RenePort Ltd who has many years of experience doing business with Nigeria In this presentation linked culture directly with business, providing experiences, practical knowledge and live examples of how culture can influence business strategy in Nigeria. He said his first impression due to unfamiliarity with the local business culture, was rather negative. Nigerians are ruthless negotiators, but they can also be very impatient when acting as principal. He further advised that in demand and supply, it is necessary to clearly define and agree on the details before transaction.
In formulating marketing strategies it is necessary to take into account local cultural characteristics, prior to this, thoroughly researched the market. Mr Behan mentioned four ways to enter the Nigerian market; Distribution, Joint Venture, Merger or Acquisition and Greenfield strategy. The most common approach is to use agents.
Fred Uduma, President of the Slovenian – Nigerian Chamber of Commerce, stressed on the fact that culture plays a key role or to a high degree influences the attitude, perception and decision making process of individuals or companies seeking to do business in Nigeria. Mr Uduma said, understanding the business culture of Nigeria that today’s event offer will certainly guide you in establishing a good working relationship and long term commitment with Nigerian partners.
Mr Uduma emphasized further on Nigerian Government’s efforts to enhance the reputation of the country in the fight against corruption, combating security challenges and promotion of trade and investment. In his presentation, Mr Uduma said Nigeria is open for business. The return on investment in Nigeria (ROI), Is the highest in Africa – between 35 and 45 per cent and in some sectors even up to 70 per cent.
Opportunities are offered in practically all industries, most notably in the energy sector in the field of oil and gas, agriculture, shipbuilding and transport, telecommunication and Truism etc…
It was interesting to listen to the experiences of successful Slovenian company Sinergise. Mr Greg Milčinski Director of Sinergise d.o.o., said Nigerian market is very important because of its size, opportunities in the ICT sector and other sectors. Highlighting the importance of culture, he shared his experience with the dress code which he himself resolved with the use of traditional clothing. Very important in business, of course, the support of local partners, he added, but stressed that before the conclusion of an agreement with local partner(s), it makes sense to check the seriousness and the actual desirability of local partners for business.
The event was closed with a networking and Q&A session.
by admin | Jul 2, 2014 | Events, News
I would like to thank all for attending the Business Breakfast Seminar. We have learned a lot on business approach, legislation and cultural differences between Nigerian and Slovenian (European) culture especially in business relations.
We trust that such event brings fruitful business and we will try to set up more of them in future. We welcome you for any questions or further assistance that we can offer as a Slovenian – Nigerian Chamber of Commerce.
Fred Uduma
President (SNCC)
