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The Italian Ambassador to Ghana His Excellency Giovanni Favilli has said the government of Italy is happy and committed to supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the country to thrive in order to create more jobs for the youth.

Currently the Italian government from 2003, is supporting SMEs in the country with a loan of 30 million Euros and a grant of 2 million Euros for a period of 10 to 15 years in two phases through the private sector development fund.

His Excellency Giovanni Favilli made the comment today when the Chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs of Parliament and MP for Nsawam/Adoagyiri, Frank Annoh-Dompreh paid a courtesy call on the Ambassador.

They discussed issues including support by Italy to SMEs in Ghana and cooperation between the Parliament of Ghana especially the Committee on Foreign Affairs and it's counterpart in Italy.

About 500 jobs have been created since the beginning of the financial support by the Italian government to the SMEs in Ghana.

"Italy is willing to push for a renewal of the program when all necessary procedures are in place," His Excellency Giovanni stated.

His Excellency Giovanni Favilli said Ghana is blessed with a lot of skilled workforce who are willing to work to promote economic growth in the country of which Italy is happy about.

According to the Ambassador the private sector provides the biggest opportunity for job creation in Ghana hence the government of Italy will continue to do its best to support the sector.

Hon Frank Annoh-Dompreh commended the government of Italy for its support to SMEs in the country through its private sector development fund.

However, he said the clause about the fund which requires that 70% of the fund should be used for importation of equipment from Italy and 30% for purchase of equipment and other logistics from Ghana should be reviewed to make the ratio 50:50 instead of 70:30 in order to make more of the fund be spent in Ghana to help boost the economy.

He also called for transfer of Technology by Italy to Ghana especially in the area of tomato paste production and the construction sector.