The maiden edition of the Pentecost International Trade Exhibition (PENTEX), which is expected to encourage effective networking among church members and Christians in the country, opened at the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre last Friday in Accra.

The 10-day fair, which is expected to end on September 9, 2012, would contribute to the economic development of the country.

Over 600 businesses and Small and Medium-scale Enterprises (SMEs), among others, are expected to display products and services at the fair, which is under the theme, ‘Accelerating the growth of entrepreneurship and industry for sustainable development.’

It is being organized by the Men’s Ministry of the Church of Pentecost, in collaboration with the Ghana Pentecostal Charismatic Council.

Before cutting the tape to open the fair, Apostle Dr. Opoku Onyinah, Chairman of the Church of Pentecost and president of the Ghana Pentecostal and Charismatic council (GPCC), stressed the need for Christians to support the growth and development of the country’s economy.

“Government alone cannot develop the nation to the level that each and everyone would want. We therefore wish to affirm our commitment as GPCC to partnering the state in accelerating the socio-economic advancement of our nation”, he affirmed.

According to Apostle Onyinah, seasoned home-grown entrepreneurs, if properly organized, could mentor the young ones who aspire to improve their businesses and also attract the unemployed youth to establish businesses.

The Minister of Trade and Industry, Hannah Tetteh, in a speech read on her behalf, said her ministry recognizes the challenges of entrepreneurs.

She commended the organizers and stressed that the progress of the nation could be sustained if all stakeholders contribute their quota.

Nii Kpopi Tettey-Tsuru I, Chief of La, called on Christians to prioritize social and business activities in addition to the teachings of the Word of God.

As part of activities lined up for the fair, a series of seminars on investment guidelines and modalities for raising funds would be held at the Trade Fair Conference room in addition to a gospel show, among others.

The seminar, according to the organizers, would begin on Monday, September 3, 2012.