Accra, March 1, GNA- Vice President John Dramani Mahama on Tuesday announced that government has drawn up a comprehensive plan to strengthen the agricultural and industrial sectors.

This, he said, would enable the country to become self-sufficient and enable her to export to other countries in the sub-region. Vice President Mahama announced this when an 18-member Thai business delegation called on him at the Castle, Osu. He said the improvement in the two sectors would also create adequate jobs for Ghanaian youth. The Thai Business delegation is in the country to explore the possibilities of partnering and investing in rice production, construction materials among other areas.

They are also interested in making Ghana their central trade hub for the entire West African sub-region. Vice President Mahama said partnering a country like Thailand which had expertise and technical know-how in Agriculture and industry would boost he= r agricultural programme aimed at improving the lifestyles of Ghanaians. He said Thai agricultural implements are of high quality and could impac= t positively and boost the agricultural activities in the coming years. The Vice President who was particularly interested in revamping the rice industry in the country said Thailand had tremendous expertise in rice production and 91Ghana will be ready to partner you to recapture her posit= ion in rice production.'

Dr Suthad Setboonsamg, Thailand Trade Representative and head of the delegation to Ghana, said his country was part of the Association of South-eastern Asian countries and their establishment in Ghana could create numerous positive benefits to Ghana.

"Ghana's democratic credentials are encouraging and our establishment= here will enable us to reach out to other West African states." He said Thailand apart from her level of expertise in rice production also want to invest in aquaculture and mushroom production in Ghana. Mr Dan Abodakpi, Ghana's Ambassador to Thailand, who led the delegatio= n to the Castle, said he was liaising with more business partners to invest i= n Ghana. He said apart from the government to private sector partnership, there were also discussions between the private sectors of both countries. 1