Sunyani, Nov. 6, GNA - A seven-day trade exhibition and fair aimed at showcasing the investment potentials of Brong Ahafo has been launched in Sunyani with a call on all Ghanaians and local entrepreneurs to seize the opportunity to help accelerate the region's development.

The programme, dubbed, 'TO ADEE 2003' meaning, "Buy Something 2003', to be organized by Sunyani-based Inter Business Data Processing (IBDP) company, is scheduled to be held from November 23 to 30 in Sunyani.

Launching the programme on behalf of the Regional Minister, Nana Kwadwo Seinti, the Regional Director of Ministry of Trade, Industry and Presidential Initiatives, Mr Ayang Kizito, gave assurance of the readiness of the Regional Co-ordinating Council to help lift the region from illiteracy and disease to become a middle income one.

He urged the region's 13 District Assemblies to fully participate in the programme and display their investment potentials so that entrepreneurs could gain experience to add value to their products to attain international standards.

The Regional Director expressed the hope that the fair would help to correct the inadequacies in the economy and the ignorance of producers in the region.

Mr Ernest Siaw, Managing Director of IBDP said the programme, fashioned on the 'Dwa Kese' fair that was held during the 40th anniversary celebration of the founding of the region in 2000, was basically aimed at bringing together indigenous manufacturers, businesses and their customers to facilitate transactions.

It is believed that, to successfully take advantage of the government's policy and to neutralize global competition, Ghanaian businesses ought to create a favourable image by positioning themselves as value providers, while developing strategies to satisfy customers at all times, he said.

Mr Siaw said the fair would assist companies to relate with their actual buyers as a means of understanding their purchasing motives as well as their needs and requirements.

Mr Joe Korsah of 1stNet Consul Limited, consultants, said the fair would pose a challenge for a more aggressive pursuit of programmes aimed at attracting direct investment into the region. He said seminars and conferences would be held during the fair to help develop the management capacities of businessmen and women in the region.

We will also orient business people on how to use the computers and its applicable software to manage their businesses. These, we believe, will go a long way to create a sort of leverage for our business community, the consultant added.

Mr Korsah said awards would be presented to deserving exhibitors.