GIPC Opens Door To Pan-African Trade�Engages Mauritius On Areas Of Investment Interest

Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Center (GIPC), Mawuena Trebah, says the African continent can accelerate speedy development if challenges that hinder internal trade are removed. She is convinced improved trading among African countries in areas of interest can reduce poverty, create employment and enhance cohesion among member states. Addressing a business forum as part of activities to mark the three day official visit of Vice Prime Minister of Mauritius, Xavier-Luc Duval, Mrs Trebah said Ghana is taking advantage of her geographical location to deepen the pan African trade. The Mauritius delegation are in Ghana to promote investment potential in the South African country reputed to be one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The delegation is in the country to also explore areas of investment especially in the textile and garment industry as well as the financial sector with much focus on project financing. Vice Prime Minister Xavier-Luc Duval, at a business forum at the Labadi beach hotel attended by Ghanaians business operators, outlined areas his country will be interested in investing. Mauritius has long been known for its sugar industry but venturing into new territory has helped boost the economy. "The resilience of the economy has come about by great diversification,� said Duval. �We were basically sugar at the start; then we moved to textiles and then tourism and now we�re into more hi-tech things like ICT, BPO which is also counter-cyclical,� he added. The GIPC CEO, who took the participants through the investment potential in Ghana, said the center is working hard to develop the capacity of Ghanaian companies to enable them compete favorably with their international counterparts. She said much as the center will look beyond the Atlantic for foreign direct inflows, trade among African countries is key to ensure sustainable development. ��we are looking for tangible outcomes and also looking forward to remove trading blocks and ensure flexibility in business transaction within the continent,� she added. Mrs. Trebah who had earlier met with the Switzerland business delegation in Ghana pointed out the strategic location and stable political climate makes her ideal for investment. Minister for Trade and Industry, Haruna Iddrisu, who official opened the GIPC Mauritius Investment Meeting on behalf of the Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur, said government has put in place measures conducive for investment in the country. A memorandum of understanding was signed for cooperation between the Ghana stock exchange and the Mauritius stock exchange.