UK, US driving Nigeria's exports - DHL
DHL has said that the United Kingdom and United States accounts for about 37 per cent of its export from the country and Nigeria is the second largest market in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Speaking at a briefing, Managing Director, DHL Express Sub-Saharan Africa, Mr. Charles Brewer, noted that Nigeria is closely behind South Africa and the sub-Saharan region is currently the fastest developing one globally.
Great Britain has 21 per cent of the export of DHL products from the country, United States 16 per cent, South Africa 5% and Canada 5%.
For the inbound products, United States 28 per cent, Great Britain 21 per cent, Germany 7%, France 6% and Italy 7%.
The products that DHL moves include documents 43 per cent, non-documents 12 per cent – mainly oil tools, aircraft spares and samples; import express 12 per cent – mainly IT equipments, machinery and spare parts; other products – 33 per cent. Brewer stated that Nigeria is seen as strategic business hub for DHL in Africa and the small and medium enterprise (SME) is the engine for growth for Nigeria.
He also affirmed that the take-off point for Africa and its vast potentials lies in the big opportunities in the SMEs and DHL is ready to assist and empower the SMEs in the country.
According to him: ”Nigeria is an attractive market for us and, with a population of over 160 million and a GDP growth rate of 7% presents a major opportunity. The opportunity is for us is to expand our footprint within the country and service semi-urban and rural areas so that anyone – from a student to a small business – can access our network.
“And the over 220 countries and destinations that we serve. There are hundreds of SMEs in Nigeria and we need to provide easy access and a team of highly trained Certified International Specialists to lead them to the very obvious opportunities that trading with the world can present.
“Despite the current global economic uncertainty, DHL expects the African region to deliver. As we see the continent ‘surge’ as a result of sector investment, increased consumer spending and economic activity, the future is still bright for the continent. DHL is committed to becoming their provider of choice and as part of that journey we will provide even more access points across Nigeria.
Apart from the expansion of its retail footprint, Brewer’s other priority is around people development and employee engagement are the key to sustainable development.
- The Vanguard
