Kumasi, Dec 8, GNA - The Ministry of Trade and Industry has initiated a programme to create export market for local products to get ready market in both developed and developing countries. The Ministry has, therefore, appealed to producers and exporters to take advantage of this measure and produce quality goods for the local as well as international markets.

Mr Kennedy Oppong-Kyekyeku, Ashanti Regional Director of the Ministry, announced this at the inauguration of the Ashanti Regional Branch of the Tie and Dye and Soap Manufacturers Association in Kumasi on Wednesday.

He said the world was a global village and as such producers and exporters were expected to produce quality goods at all times to enable them to compete favourably with the developed countries. Mr Oppong-Kyekyeku said it was the policy of the Government to promote the private sector and expressed the hope that tie and dye producers and soap manufacturers would improve upon their skills to move the local industries forward.

He commended the Association for coming together and advised the members to form co-operatives to enable them to get the needed financial support to expand their businesses.

Mr Kwame Buor, Ashanti Regional Chairman of the Association of Small-Scale Industries (ASSI), said most businesses collapsed as a result of lack of managerial skills and accurate records keeping and, therefore, asked them to practice such qualities.

He said the Ministry in collaboration with ASSI planned to organize training programme for small-scale industries operators to enable them to improve their skills and enhance their businesses. Mr Buor urged them to organise exhibitions that would showcase their products to create avenues for ready markets for them. Mr Eric Okwei Nii Noye, Regional Chairman of the Association, said the Association formed early this year had a membership of 70. He stressed the need for the members to unite and to champion their cause to enable them to promote their welfare.