A team of British agribusiness experts is to visit Ghana from 28th November to 6th December 2002.

A press release from the British High Commissin said the main objectives of the visit will be to investigate business and investment opportunities for UK companies and organisations in the food and agribusiness sector and to assist in rural development programmes in the country. The team will also be looking to identify how companies and organisations in the UK and Ghana can work more closely to their mutual benefit.

The team consists of four experts, all of whom have extensive experience of working in Africa. They are keen to meet local producers, importers, exporters and rural programme managers to discuss and identify how they can assist the rural/agribusiness sectors. Whilst having their own individual sector expertise the team members will also be able to assist Ghanaian companies and individuals identify UK suppliers and partners in a wide range of agribusiness and rural sectors:

Malcolm Cutler is Team Leader specialising in rural/private sector development, investment promotion and non-traditional exports. He has worked extensively in Ghana in the horticultural and entrepreneur/private development sectors.

Simon Shaw is the International Director of Alvan Blanch. They specialise in post harvest technology, food processing and field equipment. Simon has extensive experience in West Africa. Michael Hitchings is the Managing Director of Hitchings of Hereford who re-manufacture agricultural tractors and have a close association with Massey Ferguson. Michael has a wide knowledge of farm mechanisation and of the UK equipment industry.

David Cary is Export Manager of Fargro Ltd. They develop and distribute an exclusive range of crop protection products for the horticultural industry. David is also an expert in integrated pest management systems.

The visit is funded by Trade Partners UK, the British Government's Export Promotion body.

Trade Partners UK will also co-sponsor the Commonwealth-Ghana Investment Conference that will take place at La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, Accra from 27-29 November 2002.

As well as being a co-sponsor, Trade Partners UK will be presenting a Catalogue Exhibition representing the best in British goods and services. The sectors covered will be wide-ranging and will include agriculture, security, transport, and giftware amongst others. A press release from the British High Commission said the exhibition will also give Ghanaian business people the opportunity to learn about Trade Partners UK services including access to its free suppliers database of 58,000 British companies at www.tradepartners.gov.uk. The exhibition will be opened from 10am - 6pm on the Mezzanine Floor, Conference Centre, La Palm Royal Beach Hotel.