Accra, Oct. 31, GNA- Mr Kwesi Abeasi, Chief Executive of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC) on Friday said the forthcoming Ghana Investment Forum offers a significant opportunity to change the face of the national economy.

Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) Business Desk in Accra, Mr Abeasi said the Forum, which brings together entrepreneurs and investors from across the world, would build on private sector development initiatives of the government.

"It will provide a practical platform for direct contacts between Ghanaian companies, project sponsors and foreign enterprises seeking opportunities for investment or expansion in West Africa", he said. Mr Abeasi said the country's small medium and large-scale enterprises, have come a long way and must be supported to realize the dream of the "Golden Age of Business".

He expressed regret that more often, such businesses come up on their own, do well for sometime, "but fizzle out because they are unable to access funding on a sustainable basis to make them not only grow, but meet the changing demands of business."

He was optimistic that the Forum would meet its set objectives, as a number of presentations of portfolio investment projects screened individually by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO), will be made.

Potential foreign investors are expected to visit the said businesses and gain first hand information on these and other attractive business opportunities in Ghana.

The Forum is under the auspices of the GIPC with sponsorship from the UNIDO

Mr Abeasi told the GNA that UNIDO had identified and screened 40 specific investment and project opportunities in Ghana where Ghanaian enterprises are seeking foreign partners or investors to expand their business, acquire new technology or launch new products. They will also be able to cope with their foreign counterparts who will be attending the Forum.

The project profiles include SME's and other projects in Ghana for joint ventures, partnerships and other business operations, purchasing of equipment, export markets and financing technical and management expertise.

Areas that the Forum will examine are agro-industry, seafood processing, wood, mining, textiles and tourism. 31 Oct 03