Chamber of Commerce attracts Izmir investors

The Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) and the Izmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Turkey have begun talks to attract investors, to bolster trade and sustain bilateral relations among the two countries.

 

The value of trade between Ghana and Turkey is expected to increase to about US$1 billion by 2015 from the current trade portfolio of US$500 million.

Turkey import’s from Ghana mainly gold and cocoa are valued at US$115 million annually, according to 2011 trade figures.  

Turkey exports to Ghana last year recorded US$223.5 million while it imported US$303.5 million worth of goods from Ghana.

For the first six months of 2013, Turkey exported US$103.6 million worth of goods to Ghana while it imported US$128.9 million worth of goods from Ghana.

Mr. Ekrem Demirtas, President of Izmir Chamber of Commerce and industry made this know at a forum in Accra to discuss trade and investment opportunities available for the two countries.

Mr. Demirtas who led an 18-member trade delegation from Izmir to explore various business opportunities in the country, said the visit to Ghana is aimed at promoting a working environment that would enable the two countries to work together to fulfil the common objectives of regional economic development and social advancement.

It was also to facilitate the establishment of an honorary consulate in Izmir to advance trade and development between the two countries.

The entrepreneurs  as part of their visit held business meetings with government officials and their Ghanaian counterparts in areas such as agriculture and agro-processing, banking and finance, construction and real estate development, tourism, telecommunications, information and communication technology, oil and gas extraction, mining and quarrying.

Mr. Demirtas indicated that the long standing relationship between Africa and Turkey dates goes beyond culture, religion and trade among others.

He said Africa’s huge potential makes it the next rising continent which investors must consider.

He revealed that the Turkish government has made available, scholarship scheme for Africa students to attend and study various disciplines in Turkish universities to help to promote trade and boost investment among the two countries.

“The universities offer scholarships for Africa student especially Ghanaian youth. This is to help deepen bilateral relations,” he said.

 Mr. Seth Adjei-Baah, President of the Ghana Chamber of Commerce and Industry addressing the trade delegates, explained that the collaboration would enhance trade and attract investment as well as lead to cultural and other exchanges.

“Ghana is a centre of peace and gateway to West Africa and investing in the country would lead to increase results.

He assured the delegates of the country’s readiness to collaborate and work with them.

Mr. Adjei-Baah said Ghana’s economy is currently one of the fastest growing economies in the sub-Saharan Africa with business environment being conducive and supportive of foreign investments.

“Ghana is loaded with many trade and investment opportunities. Trade is a very important contributory factor to development, so all countries are trying hard to improve on their trade performance. So for us these are opportunities and Turkey is a market which is fast developing,” he said