Accra, July 24, GNA - The 12th edition of Grand Sales promotions, dubbed "Mid-Year Bazaar 2003" was opened in Accra with a call on the exhibitors to adjust their prices downwards to have a good patronage during the bazaar.

Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, a Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry and President's Special Initiatives, who made the call, said apart from contributing to the growth and expansion of many businesses in Ghana, the Grand Sales series also played a positive role in the distribution of income in the general economic system.

"It has also assisted many commercial and economic operators to off-load their accumulated and lock-up stocks and restock them for every yuletide," he said.

He urged the exhibitors to use the occasion to go round themselves and study issues such as packaging, product display and labelling to enhance their chances in the export market.

About 350 exhibitors are showcasing their goods in the 11-day programme. A shortfall of 87 as compared to last year's and was attributed to the closure of the round pavilion, which has developed a major technical fault.

Some of the products to be displayed would include "Rubber and Plastics, Wood and Furniture, Cosmetics and Aluminium, Leather and Footwear, Electronics and Domestic Electrical Goods, Textiles, Hair and Body care products and Carpets.

Mr Kwame Ofori-Amanfo, General Manager, Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, said the bazaar was initiated when it came to light that sellers and buyers were finding it difficult to have a common platform to do meaningful business before and after the Christmas festivities. He said Plans were in the offing to extend the Grand Sales promotions to the Western Region and the three Northern Regions.

Mr Kwesi Boakye, Financial Controller of TV3 Network Limited, urged the exhibitors to always put the customers' interests above all other things to win their confidence.