Access Bank Plc has said that it has facilitated trade for over 25,000 of its customers with import trade volume of about $2.62bn.
The Deputy General Manager, Access Bank Plc, Mr Emeka Eze, gave the figure at a forum with the lender’s customers in Abuja on Wednesday.
He said the bank understood the importance of trade to the development of the economy, adding that this was why it was supporting businesses to thrive.
Eze stated that the trade sector was a significant contributor to Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, accounting for 18 per cent, with total import trade valued at $28.9bn.
Out of this trade value, he said Access Bank had 12 per cent of the market and was ranked second in the industry with import trade volume of about $2.62bn.
He said, “Trade is a key determinant of our much needed Foreign Direct Investment. In particular, it is believed that the structure and pattern of trade in African countries should be transformed in order to obtain larger growth benefits.
“At Access Bank, we believe that import and trade remain necessary ingredients for economic growth and that companies requiring inputs towards a finished product need to get the best price, quality and service levels to compete effectively.”
Eze noted that the bank had developed products to support entrepreneurs, adding that this would help to provide innovative solutions to assist Small and Medium Enterprises to grow their businesses in a structured manner.
He added, “At Access Bank, one of our role is to instil confidence in the Nigerian economy; one of our key objectives through SME banking is to encourage entrepreneurs and grow small businesses.
“This is extremely important because it enables job creation and eases unemployment.” Copyright PUNCH. All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH. Contact: theeditor@punchng.com