The federal government has inaugurated a 27-man Multi Sectoral Planning Committee for a maiden International Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) Expo for the first quarter of 2016 in Nigeria.

This is contained in a statement signed by Head of Press, Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Greyne Anosike in Abuja on Wednesday.

The statement stated that the country was determined to deploy SMEs as the fulcrum of development in Nigeria and Africa in general.

It noted that the acting Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Mr. Ajiya Mamman told the committee that the expo was aimed at providing a continental forum for policy formulation.

The committee comprises representatives from the ministries of foreign affairs; science and technology; NIPC, SMEDAN, NEPC SON, BOI, ITF, NACCIMA, NASSI, MAN and the Managing Director of CB Network and Trixy Consult.

It added that during the expo, exchange of ideas on fostering synergy within the African SME sectors would be discussed.

The statement said the expo would provide a platform for positive engagements among stakeholders as well promote an avenue to draw up a holistic framework to address the challenges of the sector.

“During the expo, issues relating to challenges to specific products ranging from standardisation, packaging and competitiveness will be addressed in line with global best practices.”

It said the expo would provide a platform for positive engagements among stakeholders and promote an avenue to draw up a holistic framework.

It stated that the framework would address the challenges of the sector to be in line with global best practices.

It advised the committee to focus on overcoming the barriers of affordable financing employment generation.

It also advised the committee to develop SME industrial clusters export promotion, technological advancement and value addition to products emanating from the sector.

“The Federal Government is committed to addressing the challenges currently facing SMEs sector.”

The statement said the committee was expected to mobilise speakers and resource persons across the globe, resources and exhibition, both national and international.

The committee will also determine the content and package of the event similar to any foreign SME Expo and develop roadmap to address the challenges faced by the sector. (NAN)

•Photo shows President Buhari

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