Accra, June 8, GNA - Three hundred local businessmen and women would participate in this year's trade and investment exhibition at the Georgia World Congress Centre, Atlanta, which promises a global market place for over 400 exhibitors.

Codenamed "Ghana EXPO 2004", the event is scheduled to take place from September 23 to September 26 and would attract a large number of major businesses as well as Ghana's emerging small and medium scale enterprises that would showcase for American market business and investment opportunities in Ghana. Other interested African nations would also be present.

Speaking at a press briefing on Tuesday to update the media on the preparation so far, Mr Kwame Owusu-Afriyie, Chairman of the Planning Committee, said the event, which is being organized by EXPO AFRICA LIMITED, is expected to generate millions of dollars in business, investment and trade for participating companies.

He said the city of Atlanta was chosen mainly to reap its outstanding reputation as a global destination for business, trade and culture, having taken a lot of cues from the last year's event, which took place at London's Alexandra Palace.

Mr Owusu-Afriyie said leaders in business and government would organize international business seminars alongside the exhibition as well as an Awards ceremony to honour Africans and Americans, who have made contributions to building business, political and cultural bridges between Africa and the US.

He said the Governor of the State of Georgia would declare "Ghana Week", adding, "This will present a unique opportunity for Ghana to sell her name, untapped investment, high quality human resources and culture in addition to the goods and service that the country has to offer". Mr Owusu-Afryie announced that Georgia's AGOA Commission was largely involved in the organization to ensure a much successful exhibition this year. 08 June 04