The second Western Business and Investment Fair (WEBIF), has opened in Takoradi to promote trade and Investments among corporate and business entities through effective business networking.

More than 35 exhibitors made up of stakeholders in trade, insurance, manufacturing, finance, agriculture, food and beverages, educational institutions as well as services ranging from large organisations and small and medium enterprises are participating in the fair organised annually by the management of Business and Financial Times (B&FT.)

Mrs Edith Dankwa, Chief Executive Officer of B&FT noted that WEBIF has become a significant event not just on the calendar of the company but also of the Western Region.

According to her, the region is a place of extraordinary opportunity, since it is the backbone of Ghana’s cocoa history, has mineral resources, oil among others.

‘‘As a media organisation, we see opportunities for this region that investors and entrepreneurs may tap into,’’ she said.

She therefore encouraged the various businesses operating in the Region to collaborate in exploiting opportunities and achieve more through collective talents capital and resources.

The four- day fair would draw trade and investment opportunities from other parts of the country into the Region.

She said companies could help in unleashing the tremendous economic potential of the Region and help the people especially the youth to achieve their dreams of sustainable employment and alleviate poverty.

‘‘The B&FT is ready to be a facilitator and advocate this vision using our media and channels, including this fair, where we bring people in government to interact with the private sector and share mutual concerns.”

Dr Ekwow Spio-Garbrah Minister of Trade and Industry in a speech read on his behalf noted that business and investment could create jobs, which would ultimately bring about wealth creation and alleviate poverty.

He said it is on this backdrop that government is poised to develop functional structures that would attract foreign investors and stimulate domestic entrepreneurship.

‘‘I therefore entreat prospective investors to bank on the government’s enthusiasm and harness the resources in the Region to propel the socio-economic development of the country.’’ he said.

He said government is not relenting on its commitment to improve the macro economic climate and ensure that the private sector is not crowded out “ we will continue to implement policies aimed at maintaining sound fiscal discipline that will reduce inflation and interest rate”.

Mr Paul Evan Aidoo, Regional Minister in an address read on his behalf said most small and medium enterprises are ready to develop when giving the necessary support to expand and contribute their quota to the development of the country and create jobs for people.

He said local enterprises are not against foreign competition but simply want support to be able to compete.