Business Startup Strategy

I strongly suggest that would-be entrepreneurs do a business plan. As a result of completing the plan you will be much better prepared and know whether or not your business idea is feasible. Try the following article for a short-cut. However, I caution you on following a short-cut unless you have substantial experience or knowledge about your area. Proceed with caution without a business plan!
How is your business unique, and why will your goods or services appeal to customers? What are the primary differences between your company and your competitors? What are the driving factors to choose your business over another?
In other words, what is the underlying reason a customer would do business with your company?

1) Define Your Business and Vision
Defining your vision is important. It will become the driving force of your business. Here are questions that will help you clarify your vision:

• Who is the customer?
• What business are you in?
• What do you sell (product/service)?
• What is your plan for growth?
• What is your primary competitive advantage?

2) Write Down Your Goals
Create a list of goals with a brief description of action items. If your business is a start up, you will want to put more effort into your short-term goals. Often a new business concept must go through a period of research and development before the outcome can be accurately predicted for longer time frames.
Create two sets of goals:

1. Short term: range from six to 12 months.
2. Long term: can be two to five years.

Explain, as specifically as possible, what you want to achieve. Start with your personal goals. Then list your business goals. Answer these questions:

• As the owner of this business, what do you want to achieve?
• How large or small do you want this business to be?
• Do you want to include family in your business?
• Staff: do you desire to provide employment, or perhaps, you have a strong opinion on not wanting to manage people.
• Is there some cause that you want the business to address?
• Describe the quality, quantity and/or service and customer satisfaction levels.
• How would you describe your primary competitive advantage?
• How do you see the business making a difference in the lives of your customers?

3) Understand Your Customer
It is not realistic to expect you can meet the needs of everyone, no business can. Choose your target market carefully. Overlook this area, and I guarantee you will be disappointed with the performance of your business. Get this right and you will be more than pleased with the results.

• Needs: what unmet needs do your prospective customers have? How does your business meet those needs? It is usually something the customer does not have or a need that is not currently being met. Identify those unmet needs.
• Wants: think of this as your customer’s desire or wish. It can also be a deficiency.
• Problems: remember people buy things to solve a specific problem. What problems does your product or service solve?
• Perceptions: what are the negative and positive perceptions that customers have about you, your profession and its products or services? Identify both the negative and positive consequences. You will be able to use what you learn when you start marketing and promoting your business.

4) Learn From Your Competition
You can learn a lot about your business and customers by looking at how your competitors do business. Here are some questions to help you learn from your competition and focus on your customer:

• What do you know about your target market?
• What competitors do you have?
• How are competitors approaching the market?
• What are the competitor’s weaknesses and strengths?
• How can you improve upon the competition’s approach?
• What are the lifestyles, demographics and psycho graphics of your ideal customer?

5) Financial Matters
How will you make money? What is your break-even point? How much profit potential does your business have? Take the time to invest in preparing financial projections.
These projections should take into account the collection period for your accounts receivables (outstanding customer accounts) as well as the payment terms for your suppliers. For example, you may pay your bills in 30 days, but have to wait 45-60 days to get paid from your customers.
A cash flow projection will show you how much working capital you will need during those “gaps” in your cash position.
I recommend thinking about these six key areas:

1. Start up Investment
2. Assumptions
3. Running Monthly Overhead
4. Streamlined Sales Forecast
5. Cumulative Cash
6. Break-even

6) Identify Your Marketing Strategy
There are four steps to creating a marketing strategy for your business:

1. Identify All Target Markets: define WHO is your ideal customer or target market. Most companies experience 80% of their business from 20% of their customers. It makes sense then to direct your time and energy toward those customers who are most important.
2. Qualify the Best Target Markets: the purpose of this step is to further qualify and determine which customer profile meets the best odds of success. The strategy is to position your business at the same level as the majority of the buyers you are targeting. It is critical to figure out who your best customers are and how to best position your company in the marketplace.
3. Identify Tools, Strategies and Methods: a market you cannot access is a market you cannot serve. Marketing is the process of finding, communicating and educating your primary market about your products and services. Choose a combination of tools and strategies, that when combined, increase your odds of success.
4. Test Marketing Strategy and Tools: the assumptions we do not verify are typically the ones that have the potential to create business problems. Take the time to test all business assumptions, especially when you are making major expenditure

Guidelines for Exporters Nigeria Preshipment Inspection Programme

All Forms ‘M’ raised on or after September 1^st 1999 are subject to pre- shipment inspection.
GLOSSARY OF ABBREVIATIONS COMMONLY USED
PSI      -           Pre- shipment Inspection  

LO        -         Liaison Office

(SCI’s main office in Nigeria) 

IO         -         Issuing Office

(SCI’s office in the Exporter’s country, which will organise PSI for your goods and issue a certificate for their clearance through Customs by the Importer as well as issue a Certified Invoice to the Exporter for negotiation of a Letter of Credit.)

RFI        -         Request for information

A notification sent to the Exporter by SCI in respect of each individual Form ‘M’ and proforma. (Each file will have a unique reference number allocated, known as the RFI number. This number should be quoted in all correspondence with SCI).

CRI       -         Clean Report of Inspection

The document issued by SCI which provides the SCI assessment of value and coding. The CRI is required by the Importer to obtain Customs Clearance.

DRI       -         Discrepancy Report of Inspection

The document issued by SCI when goods fail to pass PSI, either because discrepancies are not corrected by the Exporter or because the Exporter fails to provide SCI with a clean set of final documents. This document prohibits clearance of goods in Nigeria.

L/C        -         Letter  of Credit

HOW IS PRESHIPMENT INSPECTION ORGANISED ?
Upon receipt of the Form M and supporting documents (including the letter of credit, if applicable) from the Importer, the Authorised Dealer Bank will process and deliver it to the SCI office in Lagos, who will analyse them and load them into the system. For your information, the Form M is available from regional SCI offices overseas as well as Nigerian Embassies, Authorised Dealer Banks etc…
Should there be no reason to reject the documentation, SCI will transmit the information electronically to the Issuing Office (IO) responsible for arranging inspections in the country of supply. Hard copies of the electronic information will also be distributed to the relevant IO.
After receiving the information, the IO will fax the exporter with a Request for Information (RFI) notification. This will request information required to perform the inspection.
The Exporter must respond promptly to our RFI letter, not forgetting that 3 full working days of advance warning are necessary in relation to the required date for inspection.  Simultaneously, at the Issuing Office, SCI experts will perform preliminary analysis of the prices and customs tariff codes.
After arrangements have been made, the SCI inspector will perform the physical inspection at the requested site and mutually arranged time.
We recommend that the Exporter’s final invoice be sent to the IO on the same day that the exporter responds to the RFI.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I SHIP MY GOODS WITHOUT INSPECTION?
Where a Customs declaration is made without a valid Clean Report of Inspection (CRI), the Importer’s goods will be required to undergo destination inspection which will be carried out by SCI, under the supervision of Nigerian Customs Officers. Shipments subject to destination inspection may also suffer a delay in clearance and a fine amounting to 50% of the assessed value of the consignment.
ARE THERE ANY GOODS THAT ARE EXEMPT FROM PSI?
Yes. Please refer to the list shown in appendix B, where you will also find the list of prohibitions.

AS THE EXPORTER WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO?
 

1.      Upon receipt of the Form M, proforma invoice and Letter of Credit from the Importer, and after having processed the information in these documents, the SCI Liaison Office (LO) in Lagos will transfer the data to the SCI Issuing Office (IO) which will handle your file. The IO will contact you in writing, usually by fax.  The letter is referred to as the RFI (Request For Information) and will ask you for the information we require in order to carry out our physical inspection of your goods and to perform customs classification and price verification.  The RFI letter will detail pertinent references including a unique RFI locator number, for example SCI 123456.

 

2.      Please quote the unique RFI number in all communications with SCI so the file record can be immediately located and the swiftest possible action be taken.

 

3.      If any company other than the Exporter named on the Form M is to request inspection or act in any way on your behalf, their authority to do so must be confirmed by you as the named Exporter.

 
WHAT DO I HAVE TO PAY?
The fee is paid by the Federal Republic of the Government of Nigeria. However, where a discrepancy is detected on the first inspection and an additional inspection visit is required, SCI reserve the right to charge the Exporter for the second inspection.
HOW DO I ARRANGE THE INSPECTION?
As soon as you have received the RFI letter from SCI (and if your goods are ready) you should submit a written request for inspection to SCI.  We ask for a minimum advance notice of 3 full working days for the requested inspection date, although we will always try to accommodate you when an urgent inspection is required. Your written inspection request should detail the following:
 
•            The relevant SCI reference number
•            Desired date and location of the inspection,
•            The name of the person to be contacted at the inspection site with their telephone and fax numbers.
•            Full details of the goods to be inspected

 

At the time of making your inspection request, if possible please provide a copy of your final invoice.

SHOULD I PACK MY GOODS FOR EXPORT PRIOR TO INSPECTION?
Goods should be presented along with the export packaging which will be used.  Where packaging must be opened to perform physical inspection, repackaging will be observed at the time of inspection.
Where goods are to be exported by full container load, SCI are required to witness loading and seal the container with an SCI seal.  For this to be done, Exporters will be required to present goods for physical inspection at a time and place such that, upon the same visit, the SCI Inspector may properly inspect the goods, witness container stuffing and perform sealing.
WHAT IS CUSTOMS CLASSIFICATION?
All goods can be classified under a customs tariff code which determines the rate of duty payable for the goods upon importation. SCI is required to determine the correct tariff code in accordance with the requirements of the Nigerian tariff book and all other relevant regulations published by the Ministry of Finance in Nigeria. SCI will determine the correct tariff code by review of documentation taken in consultation with the results from the physical inspection of the goods. The Nigerian Customs tariff is based on the Harmonised System (HS).
WHAT IS CUSTOMS VALUATION/ PRICE VERIFICATION?

1.      The customs valuation/ price verification undertaken by SCI seeks to determine whether the price being charged by the seller, as declared to us in the final invoice, corresponds within reasonable limits with export prices generally prevailing in the country of supply.

 

2.      Where freight charges are not presented to the IO by the exporter, SCI will assess values for these for customs valuation purposes only.

 

3.      The reference date for customs valuation/ price verification will be the date of the order or proforma invoice.

 

4.      Where our customs valuation indicates that your prices are significantly below the reasonable limit for the export prices prevailing in the country of supply, you will be contacted and given an opportunity to comment.  Our assessment of the fair market value will only be amended if you can provide us with information which will cause us to change our opinion. In the case of overpricing, you may be asked to reduce your final invoice in line with the fair market value.

 

4.      Price data and all related information supplied to SCI is held in the strictest confidence.  

AS AN EXPORTER, WHAT TYPE OF CERTIFICATE WILL I RECEIVE FROM SCI?
The Exporter will receive a certified invoice with a hologram label or sticker affixed to it. This will be returned to the Exporter by the normal postal service, unless a specific request is received for it to be sent by courier service. If the Exporter does request for it to be sent by courier the cost will be for the Exporters account. 
WHAT TYPE OF CERTIFICATE WILL SCI ISSUE TO THE IMPORTER?
SCI will issue the Importer (via the dealer bank) with a Clean Report of Inspection (CRI). The CRI will include SCI’s assessment of the customs value and tariff classification. 
The CRI will be issued to the Importer, provided the following conditions have been met:

1.            An accepted Inspection Report has been issued by SCI to confirm that the quality and quantity of the goods meet the specification submitted to SCI;

2.      The Exporter has submitted correct final documentation to SCI;

TO ISSUE THE CRI/ CERTIFIED INVOICE, WHAT DOCUMENTS DO YOU NEED FROM ME?
 
1       We need a clean final invoice as early as possible in the PSI process for CRI issuance,   as it will enable early customs clearance of the Importer’s cargo. The clean final invoice must detail the following information:

.                   Invoice number and date of issuance;

.                   Names of the Importer and Exporter, as per the proforma and Form M;

.                   Detailed quantity and description of goods;

.                   All unit prices and extensions;

.                   Separate itemised charges, if applicable, up to FOB;

.                   The FOB (Free on Board) value of the transaction;

.                   Freight (if applicable);

.                   Insurance (if applicable);

 

2              A copy of the signed, clean- on- board transport document (bill of lading/ airway bill) and a copy of the letter of credit. This is relevant to issuance of the certified invoice.

3.            Final invoices which show a price adjustment arising from fluctuating exchange rates  cannot be accepted unless expressly allowed for under the terms and conditions of the    proforma invoice.

-            The CRI number must be shown on the Bill of Lading, Airway Bill or the like and written against each item in the cargo manifest. It can be generated very simply by taking the SCI number and adding the three digit suffix relevant to the partial shipment, i.e. 001 (partial 1), 002 (partial 2) etc…

-      The Exporter must provide the final invoice within 72 hours of inspection, otherwise SCI valuation will be based on the documents already available.

 
WHAT HAPPENS IF I FAIL TO PRESENT A SET OF CLEAN FINAL DOCUMENTS?
 
Presentation of clean final documents should be made to SCI as soon as they are available.  Failure to do so may result in the issuance of a Discrepancy Report of Inspection (DRI) and a delay in the clearance of the Importer’s goods from Customs.
 
In order to avoid problems, it is advisable that good final invoices be presented to ITS at the time that you submit your request for inspection.

A FINAL NOTE

 

1.         If the information in these guidelines does not provide an answer to questions that arise in relation to a specific order, please contact your nearest SCI Issuing Office where trained SCI personnel will be happy to assist.

 

2.         SCI is a founder member of the International Federation of Inspection Agencies (IFIA) and the Nigerian PSI programme is carried out in conformity with the IFIA code of practice.

 

3.         SCI also carries out its work in accordance with the WTO agreement on Pre- shipment Inspection.

 

4.         Despite every effort being made by SCI to facilitate the progress of all orders which require an inspection, an exporter may occasionally experience a problem. SCI has an Internal Appeals Procedure as required by Article 2.21 of the Agreement on pre- shipment inspection of the Uruguay round of WTO/ GATT. Exporters wishing to make use of these procedures should request details from their nearest Foreign Trade Standards office.

 

5.         Exporters / Importers wishing to communicate with ITS by electronic mail should take note of the following important message.

Email is subject to the possibility of delays and of transmission failure. Systems   designed to inform senders of transmission failure are themselves subject to the possibility of delay and may fail altogether. It follows that you should not assume that email transmission have been received in good order unless you are advised by ITS that this is the case.

         ITS will systematically confirm receipt of email by email. The confirmation sent by ITS is to confirm receipt only. It should not be taken as acceptance of the content of the document. It is recommended that you call where such confirmation is not received within 24 hours.

APPENDIX A

Swede Control/Intertek is responsible for the inspection of all goods supplied from the following countries:

  

United States of America and The Caribbean including Nordic Nations

Denmark (including Greenland)

Dominican Republic                                                       

Finland

Grenada                                                                      

Iceland

Haiti                                                                                                                                                     

Norway

Jamaica 

Sweden

Trinidad                                                                                   

 

South America                                                            Europe

Argentina                                                                      Austria

Bolivia                                                                          Bulgaria

Brazil                                                                           Czech Republic

Chile                                                                            Hungary

Cuba                                                                            Macedonia

Ecuador                                                                        Poland 

Guyana                                                                        Romania

Paraguay                                                                      Slovakia

Peru                                                                            Yugoslavia (Serbia/Montenegro)

Surinam                                                                                                                                                                       

Uruguay                                                                                                                                                          

            Venezuela                                                                    
   

APPENDIX B

GOODS EXEMPTED FROM PSI

The following goods are the only ones exempt from pre-shipment inspection:

 

a)                  Explosives & pyrotechnic products

 

b)                  Arms, ammunitions, weapons & implements of war

 

c)                  Used motor vehicles

 

d)                  Personal effects

 

e)                  Perishables (i.e. day old chicks, vaccines, human eyes, human remains, periodicals or magazines, yeast)

 

f)          Supplies to diplomatic consulate missions and international organisations for their own needs

                                 GOODS PROHIBITED FROM IMPORTATION

1.      Sorghum (HS Code 1007.0000)

 
            2.   Millet (HS Code. 1008.2000).
 

3.   Wheat flour (HS Code. 1101.0000).

 

4.      Mosquito Repellent coils (HS Code 3808.1110).

 

5.      Retreaded/ used tyres (HS Code 4012.1000-4012.9000).

 

6.      Gaming machines (HS Code 9504.1000-9504.3000).

7.      Second-hand Clothing (HS Code 6309.0000)

 

8.      Cement not in bulk form (HS Code 2523.2910). Cement can only be imported in bulk form and cannot be brought into the country in quantities less than 10,000 metric tonnes or the full capacity of the carrying vessel. It shall in addition, be discharged into silos at the quayside or into a ship permanently moored to the Coastline or into trucks for onward delivery to the hinterland for packaging into 50kg bags using machinery and facilities already installed at those locations.

 

            9.   Bulk importation of vegetable oil is no longer allowed for health reasons. All imports shall be branded and in cans.

 

A Dozen Tips for Starting an Import/Export Busines

Thinking of starting an import/export business? Jennifer Henzel, a Certified Import/Export Trade Professional offers these tips for getting started:

1. Many countries have set up offices (Consulates or Embassies) in foreign countries to promote the exporting of their goods. The Consulates will supply you with industry directories and more. Embassies are located in a nation's capital and Consulates in different cities. In many cases, the Embassy web site will contain directories and manufacturer lists, as well as an email link that you can use for sourcing
   
2. To import goods, communicate with that country's Consulate situated in your own country. If you are uncertain what products the other country wants, you can obtain catalogues and lists of manufacturers.
   
3. Contact your country's taxation department to ask about registration numbers or other procedures that you must follow. For example, if you are Canadian, you will require a Registration Number, issued by Canada Customs and Taxation Agency (CATA). When you inform CCTA of your plans to import or export, they issue an extension to your business number. This number is used on all related documents.
   
4. Find out about licensing requirements, if any. Many countries do not have licensing requirements for most products. However, if you are importing or exporting high-risk products (pharmaceuticals, liquor, chemicals, arms, certain food items and certain articles of apparel), you might need a license. "I strongly recommend that people start out with low risk items that can be easily traded and have fewer barriers" like giftware and consumer items," said Henzel. "Certain industries, like dairy, are guarded by lobby groups in some countries. You will be faced with quotas and restrictions."
   
5. Embargoes are trade barriers set up against other countries. Many countries have embargoes against Cuba, for example. First, contact your own government to determine whether there are restrictions or embargoes against the country you are considering. Next, contact that country's Consulate or Embassy to see if there are restrictions against goods from your country.
   
6. Participate in the local Boards of Trades (or Chambers of Commerce if there is no local Board of Trade). In addition to networking, you have access to research libraries and other resources that will offer good trade information.
   
7. Use customs brokers. "Small businesses attempting their own paperwork can run into delays at borders. If you make a mistake, you can be fined," said Henzel. "A custom broker's service is well worth the fee you pay."
   
8. When exporting, understand that there is no one solution to shipping and customs handling that will work in every situation. Every deal is different. Each company and each set of products will require a different set of services, or a combination of services. Engaging the services of a freight forwarder is one possibility. Freight forwarders arrange shipping and customs for goods going to other countries. "You have to shop for these services and do your research," Henzel explained. "Ask a lot of questions. It's no different than buying a piece of furniture. You shop around first."
   
9. Be familiar with Incoterms, as posted to the International Chamber of Commerce Web Site (http://www.iccwbo.org/index_incoterms.asp). Incoterms are standard trade definitions that dictate the shipping and payment responsibilities of each party. The two companies involved negotiate Incoterms for each deal. The best known Incoterms include EXW (Ex works), FOB (Free on Board), CIF (Cost, Insurance and Freight), DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid), and CPT (Carriage Paid To). "You negotiate according to the Incoterms," Henzel said. "You decide who pays for shipping, who pays for insurance, etc."
   
10. Consult your bank for information about Letters of Credit, the most common form of payment when trading internationally. With a Letter of Credit, you minimize your risk because the banks assure that the goods are delivered before the money is exchanged. As an importer, a Letter of Credit reduces the risk of having to pay in advance for goods, or of paying for goods that are inconsistent with the product description in the Letter. As an exporter, you have the buyer's bank's assurance that you will receive payment provided you ship the goods as specified within an agreed-upon time.
    
11. Participate in Trade Missions. Consult your Board of Trade or local Chamber of Commerce to discover what is available.
    
12. Finally, look to the Web for information about international trade. Many web sites offer an array of information that you can access for no charge.

5 TIPS FOR GOING GLOBAL

Import, Export, Global Markets...the buzz words of International Trade are getting small business owners very excited. The reason? In the past it would be too costly for a small business to survive global markets, but as various technologies, professional website design, and the internet become more affordable, it's becoming easier and easier for the little guy to compete. As the trend towards 'going global' grows, so does my business. I have the pleasure of guiding these enthusiastic new players through the global game procedures.

As an international trade consultant, during my training workshops I'm often asked "How can I test my new product or market idea before deciding to fully commit my resources and finances to the project?"

Of course, I always recommend thorough research before jumping into any international agreement - there are no small deals when "Going Global" - players are ready to buy and sell in bulk. The more research you do, the more you minimize the risks.

It's like a see-saw; when your planning and research increase, your risks go down, and when your planning and research fall, your risk rises, as seen in this diagram:

However, it's not going to hurt your business to start making some contacts and begin the communication process with key players in that market. Below are some tips on how to quickly find valuable global prospects.


Tip #1
For exporting products and services to other countries, contact your country's consulate or embassy in the foreign market that you're trying to enter. Trade Commissioners are placed in those foreign countries specifically to help companies like yours export products there. They collect market data and have access to directories of potential buyers for specific industries. Embassies are placed in the capital of a country, while consulates are placed in strategic economic areas.


The only trick is getting them to respond to your inquiry. Keep in mind that they need some kind of "hard-copy" of your request to place in their files. While many will accept inquiries via email, some still require a faxed letter. It must be on your company letterhead and specific information is required. 

Whether by fax or email, I suggest you include the following:
Company contact information.
Product Description - Be as specific as possible, for example do not generalize by saying giftware, instead say: decorative, hand painted, carved wood Christmas ornaments.
Request a list of potential buyers.
Request recommendations for market entry strategies. This will make a big difference in how you approach the foreign market. For example, will you use a major distributor, individual agent, or trading house, what tradeshows and promotional events should you attend, etc.
If you follow the suggested guidelines and have a professional approach, you should have no problem getting a response.


Tip #2
Similarly, for importing products and services from other countries, contact foreign consulates and embassies located in your city. Just like our country has trade offices around the world, foreign countries have placed their embassies and consulates here to study our markets. 

The foreign Trade Commissioners in these offices are placed here to help manufacturers from their own country. They offer Export Directories of their homeland's products and suppliers. In some cases, they may offer lists of buyers for certain industries.  Again, proper communication is essential for gaining their assistance. 


Tip #3
Go Online - There are thousands of trade lead sites on the internet. Use sites that offer quick access and easy maneuvering. Make contact only with companies with whom you're truly interested in their products. If you're just starting out, trade items that are "easy" with minimal trade barriers, for example gift and consumer items. And most of all be careful that you don't get caught up in a wild goose chase...

You may have been mislead that large commodity items will bring in the most profit and multitudes of money. If you're just starting, think again. The companies involved in the international distribution of large commodities, in most industries, are all aware of each other. In other words they already know who the major buyers and sellers are, and quite frankly, don't need our help.

In addition, if someone is getting you to do a lot of leg work without paying you, perhaps they are just tying to find out information about a competitor, or using you to make a trade with a well known buyer/seller in your country who will not deal with them directly for some reason, and you will end up with nothing.

Or perhaps there are regulations and quotas involved that they want someone else to take the heat for when the goods are shipped into their country.  If you don't know what you're doing, international trade can be a very costly venture. 
But you can do it! Just start with products that have less risk attached to them.
Look on trade lead sites for unique products offered at competitive prices that are in demand in your market (import) or desired destination market (export). Reputable suppliers should offer samples of smaller items and full color info on others. Visit our website for an excellent list of trade lead and international trade sites www.ImportExportCoach.com

Tip #4
Contact other non-competing companies from your region that have attempted to "Go Global". Perhaps you sell custom designed windows and you've heard that a door manufacturer in your town has secured a contract with an Asian buyer. Go ahead - give them a call. They'll probably be glad to share their stories with you.

Tip #5
Go on Government subsidized trade missions. Check with your government for programs and subsidized missions to foreign markets that meet the needs of your company.

WELCOME TO NIGERIA CENTRE FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE DEVELOPMENT

The CITD is a place to learn about international matchmaking events and other programs taking place both in Nigeria and abroad. Let us help you succeed:

• Individualized assistance as an exporter, importer, or global marketing organization
• Export and import education programs for businesses and entrepreneurs
• "Help Desk" to ask questions about international trade and help solve international business transaction challenges

As a community focused agency, the CITDs have developed numerous strategic partnerships with other associations and agencies, both locally and globally. Working closely with such organizations allows the CITD to gain access to additional resources and offer more programs, and extend its already powerful network of support around the world. CITD strategic partners include:

Deliver – Export and Import Programs

Inform – Transaction & Regulatory Assistance

Expand – International Marketing Opportunities & Resources

We network and cooperate with and offer courtesy discounts to each other . We shall be happy to provide you with assistance in all aspects of international trade, including:

Information on national rules and regulations, procedures, tariffs, industry news, events... 

Trade opportunities from government agencies, manufacturers, importers, exporters, traders...

Finance assistance in areas of project funding, partnerships, venture capital, insurance, bonds

Management consulting for projects, logistics, sales and marketing, technology..

Transportation including oceanfreight, airfreight, trucking, warehousing, custom brokers... 

Resources, products, services, training, publications, useful web links..

Travel, Information and resources on business and personal travel ...

CITD programs and services designed to help companies succeed in the international business arena include the following:

• Individualized assistance to help existing companies and new ventures strategically evaluate and pursue international business opportunities - for exporting, importing, by industry or region of the world.
• International business conferences, workshops and seminars designed to provide information and tools to help enterprises, and organizations capitalize on global business.

• Training and Education - The CITDs offer a large variety of training and educational programs in international business and trade. For more information on the various programs offered.

• International Trade Information and Reference resources - the Trade Informaiton Database offers a wealth of information that can be accessed at no charge
• International matchmaking services to include introducing Nigeria companies to potential trading partners through overseas trade missions, hosting of inbound delegations and trade leads distribution Events

• International Trade Missions - Each year hundreds of companies participate in CITD organized trade missions to a variety of international destinations. Accompanied by CITD staff and local partners, companies are escorted to numerous global locations, learning about the business environment and culture at first hand. In addition, participants on the trade missions are then introduced with potential business partners in that country and are allowed to discuss business opportunities with or without CITD assistance.
• Trade Shows - Through the various partnerships developed around the world, the CITDs are able to provide clients access and support in attending international trade shows and exhibitions. Whether it be accompanying businesses to a show in a foreign country or providing low-cost options, such as catalog shows, the CITDs will assist companies in choosing the right trade show and work with them towards a successful outcome.

• Assist Nigeria  Colleges and Universities in internationalizing their curricula and developing specialized programs and courses in international trade.