Stakeholders Poised to Reposition Printing Industry

Chidinma Okonkwo, Imo Eberechi and Chinenye Nduka

As part of efforts to reposition the printing industry and tackle the challenge of capital flight facing the sector, Printivo, the largest packaging, printing and plastics exhibition will organise a conference of industry stakeholders to develop a solid blue print for the sector from September 20-22 in Landmark Centre in Lagos.
According to a statement issued by Jamie Pearson, the sector is rapidly expanding and it is beginning to make enormous contributions to national development.

The statement expressed worries over the issue of capital flight facing the sector, adding that despite the viability of the sector, there are still notable problems such as high cost of production, the cost of doing business, low profit margins and low cost of print jobs, “this unfavourable factor places Nigerian printers at a great disadvantage when they have to compete for print jobs with printers in other countries.”
Pearson stated that the Nigerian non-digital print market, Managing Directors from FC Exports and Portion Consult would discuss new technologies, sharing exciting developments and key market trends.

“At a time when globalisation has prompted fierce competition, innovative technologies and staying ahead of the market is important now more than ever. If Nigeria is going to fare well in this game of globalisation, knowledge sharing from leading industry members it is important to help home-grown organisations find their way globally,” the statement said.

Pearson in the statement said in the conference, panellists would focus on how to avoid capital flight in the industry, stressing that this would allow their delegates to receive and solid insight into these problems and discuss viable solutions.

The panel discussion would be chaired by the Chief Executive Officer of University Press, Samuel Kolawole.
The statement added: “As well as the printing element of this year’s show. Our packaging and plastics programme is also set to prompt interest across the region. We are expecting to welcome senior representatives from manufacturing associations such as the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN); The Ministry for Industry Trade and Investment (MITI) and the Bank of Industry, alongside leading brands such as Heineken and Guinness.”

The statement said the Nigeria’s economy has been forecasted as capable of attaining a value of $1trillion by 2025, from its present level of $560billion, noting that in order to achieve this, it will require a robust manufacturing sector and a detailed programme for industrialisation.