Accra, April 26, GNA - A Ghana Trade and Investment Exhibition dubbed "Ghana EXPO Canada 2005" aimed at promoting inter-regional trade and investment between Ghana and Canada was launched in Accra on Tuesday.
The four-day Exposition to be held in Toronto, Canada from September 15 to September 18 would also showcase Ghana as a reliable source of raw materials, finished products, quality and affordable labour and to position Ghana as a major re-export outlet for re-packaged goods for Canadian and other markets.
The exhibition would offer opportunities in many business sectors such as Agriculture, Manufacturing, Non-Traditional Exports, Financial Services, Transport, Hi-Tech, Tourism, Distribution and Retailing, among other areas.
It is being organised by Ghana Expo Canada Limited, a subsidiary of The Ghanaian News Group of Community Newspapers, which has been involved in organising many large events in Canada including the annual Ghanaian-Canadian Achievement Awards.
Mr Emmanuel Ayiku, Chief Executive Officer of Ghana Expo Canada Limited, said the exposition, the first-ever to be held in Canada would among other things strengthen trade partnership and co-operation among Ghanaian businesses and the business community in Canada.
He said there were great business opportunities in Canada and he urged Ghanaian businessmen to show interest in the fair to expand their businesses.
Mr Ayiku gave the assurance that so long as the potential participants had genuine papers covering their businesses, there would be no frustration with the acquisition of visa at the Canadian High Commission.
Mr Donald Bobiash, High Commissioner of Canada, said it was important to promote trade between the two countries because Canada had a strong record of trade management.
He said trade between Canada and Ghana stood at 110 million dollars per annum and encouraged Ghanaian businessmen to take up the opportunities associated with the exhibition.
Mr Kwadwo Baah-Wiredu, Minister of Finance and Economic Planning, said currently Ghana's GDP growth rate stood at 5.8 per cent per annum and "we need to get to seven per cent to qualify us among the middle level income group".
He, therefore, urged all Ghanaians to assist in whatever small way to enable the country to attain that goal.
The Minister appealed to the Canadian officials at the Consulate to help those who would want to participate in the fair with the necessary particulars to make it a success.