ROADMAP FOR THE NIGERIA–CHINA SUMMIT ON MADE-IN-NIGERIA PRODUCTS BY MADE IN NIGERIA PROJECT OFFICE, ABUJA

Vision and  Objective:

The summit aims to position Nigeria as Africa’s manufacturing, trade, and investment hub, while promoting Made-in-Nigeria products to Chinese investors, distributors, manufacturers, and consumers.

The summit is intended to achieve the following:

ü   Increase exports of Nigerian products to China;

ü   Attract Chinese investment into Nigerian manufacturing and value addition

ü  Create distribution and market access channels for Nigerian goods in China, in particular, and Asia in general.

PREPARATIONS:

PHASE 1: Establish a Steering Committee or an interface with some agencies, such as:

Ø  Ministry of Foreign Affairs;

Ø  Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment;

Ø  Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC);

Ø  Nigeria Export Promotion Council (NEPC);

Ø  Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON);

Ø  Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN);

Ø  Nigeria Customs Service;

Ø  Bank of Industry;

Ø  SMEDAN;

Ø  Private sector/states Chambers of Commerce

The Summit should have a theme and Branding: Example “MADE-IN-NIGERIA: CONNECTING AFRICAN PRODUCTS TO CHINESE/ASIAN MARKETS”

If possible! Provide branding materials like Promotional videos, flyers. and social media adds jingles

THERE SHOULD BE CLEARLY DEFINED TARGET SECTORS : example:

Ø  Agriculture and Agro-processing

Ø  Solid minerals

Ø  Renewable energy

Ø   Textiles and garments

Ø   Cosmetics and beauty products

PHASE 2: PRODUCTS READINESS:

Set a timeline: in your interface with Chambers of Commerce, manufacturers' association, and Nigerian business community, conduct a selection exercise of interested companies or vendors. Identify and select high-quality Nigerian products that are export-ready. The products selected should meet international standards and Chinese import requirements:

Priority should be given to companies with:

Ø  Attractive packaging

Ø  export experience

Ø  production capacity

Ø  Quality certification  (SON, NAFDAC, Export licenses)

If possible, create a TV show on “Made-in-Nigeria Export Readiness Program.” also advice on product labeling in Chinese and English. NB PACKAGING IS VERY ESSENTIAL.

THE LIST MUST BE PROVIDED TO THE CONSULATE AT LEAST 2 MONTHS BEFORE THE EVENT, FOR SCRUTINY AND VISA PROCESSING

 

PHASE 3: DIPLOMATIC AND BUSINESS MOBILIZATION IN CHINA & NIGERIA:

At our end, the Consulate will engage the Shanghai Municipal Government to coordinate with the Shanghai Ministry of Commerce, trade promotion agencies, Chambers of commerce, and import associations, as well as other friends of the Mission.

At your end, invite prospective participants such as:

ü  Manufacturers

ü   Exporters

ü  Governors

ü  Banks

ü  Chambers of commerce

ü  SMEs

ü  Chinese Investors and partners

ü  Supermarket chains

ü   Logistics firms  , etc

PHASE 4: THE SUMMIT STRUCTURE:

The summit should combine:

ü  Investment Forum/paper presentations with real-time translation support

ü  Matchmaking sessions

ü  Government-to-Government (G2G) if any

ü  Investment agreements Business-to-Business (B2B)

ü  Buyer-seller meetings

ü  Product showcase pavilion

PHASE 5: LOGISTICS

Finalize and design how the exhibition venue should support:

ü  Large exhibitions

ü  Translation services

ü  Business networking

ü   Product demonstrations

ü  The Made in Nigeria Product pavilion must project: professionalism, innovation, African cultural identity, and modern manufacturing capability.

ü  Transportation to and from Daqin should also be provided

PHASE 6: THE SUMMIT IMPLEMENTATION:

During the Summit Opening Ceremony Invite:

ü  Senior Nigerian government officials

ü  Chinese provincial leaders

ü  The presentations at the opening should emphasize: Nigeria’s industrial potential, Ease of doing business reforms, Investment incentives, Strategic Nigeria–China partnership

PHASE 7: POST-SUMMIT FOLLOW-UPS:

IMPORTANT NOTE: To have a successful event, it is of utmost importance to appoint a consultant to meticulously put together and properly package this very important event. The reason for this is not far-fetched, and it’s because only a consultant would have the luxury of time and expertise to navigate, arrange, and work out the minutest details as well as conduct the actual meeting. We, at our individual corners, cannot do this. We therefore recommend the engagement of an experienced consultant, please.