The 1st Turkish Products Fair has opened at the Movenpik Hotel in Accra with over 50 exhibitors from Turkey displaying various wares.
The four-day Trade Fair, put together by the Istanbul Chamber of Commerce and currently underway sought to contribute the expansion of economic and trade relations between Turkey and Ghana.
Trade and Industry Minister Dr Ekow Spio-Garbrah speaking at the launch of the fair urged the Turkish business community to engage its Ghanaian counterparts as shareholders on the local front, saying, "Ghana's human resource is one of the most valuable resources so I encourage you to make them as part of shareholders.
"I am looking at a joint venture that will benefit the two countries, I want to also commend the Turkish government for reposing hope into our economy, considering the fact that it's few months to elections yet you decided to provide the needed platform for a joint venture."
He suggested to the Turkish community to consider Ghana as a strategic trade partner taking into account its geographical position( center of the earth).
Turkey Ambassador to Ghana Her Excellency Nesrin Bayazit pointed out that "Ghana is Turkey's fourth largest trade partner in Sub-Saharan Africa.
The trade volume between the two countries reached approximately $400 million in 2015. Turkeys export to Ghana amounted to $230m and imports from Ghana to $170m."
She added that " Turkish products are well known for their quality and competitive prices world wide."
The Vice President of the Instanbul Chamber of Commerce, Mr Dursun Topcu said the Chamber, which represents the interest of over 400,000 members, has been organizing Fairs on behalf of members for some time and has gained considerable prestige in bring businesses together to forge strategic partnerships across the world.
He expressed optimism that the inaugural event in Ghana will “increase economic momentum and create opportunity for new partnerships” with resultant progress in economic and political relationship between Turkey and Ghana.
A wide range of products from clothes and textiles, cooking utensils, hardware, stationery, appliances etc are on exhibition at the fair which is expected to end on Saturday.