The Director General CEO of SMEDAN, Mr Charles Odii has identified key areas where the Indian government could support Nigeria’s MSMEs via technology and knowledge transfer. The DG made the disclosure while meeting with the Indian High Commissioner Mr G. Balasubramanian at the Indian High Commission.
According to the Director General, the MSMEs in Nigeria if properly supported can supply the entire grain requirements for India. He implored the Indian High Commissioner to consider MSME exchange programs, so the Nigerian SMEs can boost production capacity in Agriculture, leveraging modern technologies as seen in India.
Mr Balasubramanian equally affirmed the huge potential available in Nigeria and pointed out that the cattle population alone should be able to supply the dairy needs of Nigeria. He agreed on the need to strengthen the knowledge and technology transfer, which will be better consummated via a forthcoming MOU.
The discussion is mirrored down to 4 sectors to serve as a pilot in the MSME partnership; these include the dairy industry, the grains/millets value chain, the movie industry, and the leather industry. This is in addition to the ongoing Knowledge Transfer Program being implemented by SMEDAN.
The meeting resolved that culture and tourism exchange platforms could translate to trade benefits for both countries if explored. MSMEs should keep their fingers crossed as events unfold between the two countries in the realm of SME development.
Moshood Lawal, Head, Corporate Affairs, SMEDAN.
