The 2014 Grand Sales co-locating with made in Ghana fair of the Ghana Trades Fairs Company [GTFC] to be held under the theme: ‘’Bringing Buyers and Sellers Together’’ has been launched. Launching the Fair in Accra, the Minister for Trades and Industry, Mr. Spio Ekow Garbrah commended the Ghana Trades Fairs Company for responding to President Mahama’s call for the promotion of made in Ghana goods. He said the packaging made by the Trades Fairs Company to promote locally manufactured goods is aimed at supporting government’s efforts to promote import substitution. He said President Mahama placed great emphasis and attachment to the promotion of made in Ghana goods and services that he [the President] charged him to campaign seriously to propel the promotion to the highest pedestal. The Minister pointed out ‘ it is by changing our preferences and tastes for foreign goods to the patronage of Ghana made goods and services that we will reduce the quantum of our imports and arrest the pressure on the Ghana Cedi over major world currencies and also create the needed employment for our people’’. He described as very significant the expansion by the organizers of the 2014 grand-sales to co-locate with the Made –in- Ghana fairs adding that he is cognizant of the fact co-locating two distinct event is currently gaining attention in the international exhibition industry , as the concept allows for creation of bigger platform for exhibitors, visitors and trade buyers to converge and transact one stop-shop business activity. As a consumer fair, the Minister noted that it aims at boosting both internal and external trade especially to promote Ghana ‘s export and create employment and that it[ the 2014 fair] has been segmented to allow for easy identification of products and services. He further explained that made in Ghana goods will be in one pavilion with made in Ghana services in another whilst the grand sales will accommodate semi-processed and imported goods and services. ‘’ Trade fairs like this , offer numerous opportunities for national growth and integration, business building relationship, promotes trade, exchange linkages and innovation, improve vitality and above all provide stakeholders a trusted platform to interact with industry and economic operators. According to the Minister, this year’s event expects not less than 25,000 visitors and over 400 exhibitors to converge at the Trade Fairs Center, the event’s venue so as to take advantage of the Christmas season to patronize goods and services for the festive period. Mr. Ekow Spio Garbrah used the opportunity to invite sponsorship from the corporate community in Ghana and beyond for the 2014 grand sales which takes place between 25th to 24th December. He encouraged merchandisers of Christmas goods and the general public to converge during the events and transact business as there would be both Christian activities and sales during the period. The Trades and Industry Minister encouraged companies and entities as well as potential exhibitors who have still not registered for the event to earnestly register in order to enjoy the maximum benefit associated with the fair for both domestic and international operators. In her welcome address, Madam Hannah Ntiamoah, the Board Chairperson for the Ghana Trades Fairs Company[GTFC] said the fairs is in response to the President Mahama’s call for the promotion of made in Ghana goods and services. As the GTFC repositions and rebrands itself , the Company’s Board Chairperson disclosed that as a company, they hope to partner the Trades and Industry Ministry to promote locally manufactured goods and services not only in Accra but would be extended to other locations nationwide. As part of activities aimed at making the fair generate maximum participation, Saturday, 20th December 2014 has been set aside by the organizers as a ‘ MADE IN GHANA HEALTH-WALK DAY’ which the Minister promised to participate himself and has therefore extended a call on all well meaning Ghanaians, manufacturers of made- in- Ghana goods and services as well as the corporate community to support and participate in the walk.