ONICCIMA teaches its members Chinese language

The President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), Mr Unchenna Apakama has disclosed in an interview in Onitisha, that it has concluded arrangements to teach Onitsha businessmen Chinese language to enhance their relationship with Chinese counterparts.

Apakama who further revealed that the classes were aimed at effectively assisting traders with business interests with Chinese nationals to do so, emphasized that the chamber offers a lot of services to Onitsha business community, part of which is the opportunity to participate in frequent international trade missions and export promotion programmes.

Apakama appreciating the fruits of the chambers’ collaboration with the Nigeria Export Promotion Council, says these programmes and missions gives our members opportunity to go on trade missions to China where they interact with Chinese nationals.

He added that the training will enable traders to acquire enough knowledge and skill to communicate in Chinese language and to understand the rudiments of Chinese culture and practices. `This of course will facilitate trade relations,’’ Apakama said.

He said that the classes, which would start before the end of this January, would be conducted at weekends for six months and would be held at the Demos Shakarian Resources Centre in Onitsha.

Apakama who urged the business community to avail itself of the various services offered by the chamber, said the chamber planned to organise a stakeholders’ forum on the Onitsha River Port, which would attract importers and exporters, clearing agents and freight forwarders and regulatory agencies.

“This will be followed by other useful programmes and interventions which the chamber will undertake in the course of the year for the overall interest and welfare of our people and the business community in particular.’’ he concluded