From Nana Kodjo Jehu-Appiah, GNA Special Correspondent, Bangkok

Bangkok, Aug. 31, GNA - A number of entrepreneurs in Thailand have expressed their willingness to invest in Ghana, after a meeting with visiting Vice President Aliu Mahama, who showcased the West African State as business friendly.

One of the biggest catch is TIPCO, a leading food processing company in South East Asia, which recorded a turnover of 330 million dollars in 2005.

Ms Anurat Tiamtan, Chairman of TIPCO Group of companies; told Vice President Alhaji Mahama in Bangkok that his visit would lead to trade and business partnership between Ghana and the Company.

"We learnt that the Republic of Ghana has exported many fresh products to the European Community, including pineapple, which is our core product.

"Thailand is the world largest exporter of pineapple products, which represent 40 per cent to 45 per cent of the global market, and TIPCO is one of the biggest canned pineapple producers in Thailand," she said.

Vice President Alhaji Mahama also met with the Management of One Tambon One Product (OTOP), a State owned enterprise, where he struck a deal with them to import sheabutter, cocoa and other agro products from Ghana to improve on their production line.

OTOP, which was established by the Royal Thai Government in 2001, is promoting the production of masterpiece handicrafts from rural communities as a means of expanding the country's domestic and international trade.

Vice President Alhaji Mahama expressed surprise at the quality and meticulous production of local food and beverages, textiles and clothing, handicraft and a variety of household and traditional items. He said the Government would send a number of Ghanaian artisans to Thailand to learn the techniques of adding value to local materials that often went to waste.

"We have come to learn from what you have achieved so far. I am really excited with what I have seen today. It is my hope that we can work together to bring prosperity to our people," he said. Vice President Alhaji Mahama asked Nana Kwadwo Seinti, Ghana's Ambassador to Malaysia, with responsibility over Thailand and Dr Nathada Singsoonboon, Ghana's Honorary Consul in Thailand to help to nurture the desire of Thai entrepreneurs to invest in Ghana.

Mr Akwasi Ose-Adjei, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Cooperation and NEPAD, asked Thai industries to use Ghana as the gateway to the huge untapped market in Africa. 31 Aug. 06