Mr Charles Folikumah, Director of Exports, Ministry of Trade and Industry, has called on Turkish investors to partner their Ghanaian counterparts to expand rice production for the local and export markets.

He said Ghana had arable land suitable for the cultivation of rice and the introduction of Turkish technology could help boost production of the cereal.

Mr Folikumah, who made the call on the sidelines of the 83rd Izmir international Fair in Turkey, said this partnership would reduce largely the importation of rice to Ghana.

“This will serve as a transfer of technology to commercialise the country’s agriculture to create more jobs and also reduce rice importation,” he said.

Ghana currently spends about $600m annually to import rice.

The Izmir fair is aimed at offering businesses and investors across the globe the opportunity to market their products to the international business community, especially those from Asia and Europe.

Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has facilitated the participation of 14 Ghanaian exhibitors in the Izmir International Fair, which runs from 29th August 29 to September 2.

The Director of Exports urged producers and other stakeholders to make it a point to add value to rice produced in the country before exporting it.

He said Ghana’s export strategy was to expand and improve on the quality of agricultural products.

Mr Stephen Normeshie, the General Manager, GEPA, said government had launched the National Services Strategy to develop the services sector.

He said the services sector was one of the areas that could effectively contribute to the country’s foreign exchange earnings potentials.

“Areas to look at in the services sector include medicinal and sports tourism among others,” he said.

Ghanaian companies participating in the fair are drawn from the pharmaceutical, food and beverage and the cosmetics industries of the economy.

They include Alagie and Fati's Company, Daysah Ventures, Pure Company, Sea-Freighted Pineapple Exporters, an association of Ghana (SPEG), the umbrella body of pineapple exporters in the country.

The rest are Krypton Global, HPW Fresh and Dry, Medi-Moses Clinic and Herbal Center, Alpha Samuelson Enterprise, Paku Enterprise, Yenok Limited, Chocho Industries and Veronica Ayando Enterprise.

These companies will be showcasing their products and services to the international business community.