Africa Business Media, publishers of Ghana Business and Finance Magazine, in collaboration with the Private Enterprises Federation, has launched the third edition of the Ghana Economic Outlook and Business Strategy conference.

The conference, scheduled to take place on January 21, 2015 in Accra, is on the theme; “Diversifying Ghana’s Economy through Sustained Export Trade,” with Vice-President Paa Kwesi Bekoe Amissah-Arthur to deliver the keynote address.

Mr Josiah Spio-Garbrah, General Manager of Africa Business Media, said the annual event sought to bring together the giants of industry, academia, civil society, policy makers and Non-governmental Organisations among others to share knowledge and experiences.

The conference is, therefore, poised to generate ideas, suggestions and strategies from government, the export and financial sectors and other key stakeholders on the positive role that increased export and related trade activities could play in promoting and sustaining the growth of the economy.

It would serve as a catalyst for the transformation of the economy through production and patronage of locally manufactured products and services.

The conference would also provide the needed enlightenment for operators in the export and allied sectors to take advantage of the opportunities and benefits that existed under the Economic Partnership Agreement and the African Growth and Opportunity Act.

Mr Spio-Garbrah urged interested persons and organisations to register online at www.ghanaeconomicoutlook.com to participate in the conference.

Nana Osei Bonsu, Chief Executive Officer of the Private Enterprises Federation, who launched the conference, said it was a welcoming opportunity to bring to the fore critical issues that affected Ghana’s economic growth, particularly export and other trade opportunities.

He said Ghana was currently not doing well in terms of her export commodities and income from such trading activities, and the need to diversify from the traditional export products was critical to improve revenue for growth and development.

He said for the economy to grow, there must be a major boost in and value addition to other non-traditional export products and services so as to strengthen their market value.

Nana Osei Bonsu said diversification would help in broadening the base, boost export and greatly impact on the domestic market.

However, government must create the required enabling environment by resolving critical issues surrounding prices and supply of utilities including electricity and water to lighten the burden on industries and boost production.

He said it was important for government to look at the Bank of Ghana’s monetary policies to ensure that they did not stifle young businesses.