Ghana to host first Pan-African Trade Fair and investment conference

Ghana will host the first-ever Pan African Trade Fair and investment conference in Accra on November 15 to November 21, to serve as a platform to assist with the development of African businesses. The fair on the theme: "Uniting Africa through Trade and the Rest of the World," is aim at establishing effective trade relations to hasten the economic progress of Africa and the rest of the world and strengthen African small-scale entrepreneurs who provide up to 80 per cent jobs on the continent. Eighty (80) of the 200 participants expected have so far registered. Activities to be undertaken include exhibition, seminars and conferences on topics such as: "Creating a Conducive Environment for Investors Seeking Opportunity in Ghana," "Redefining the African Foreign Policy on Trade and Investment" and "Breaking Investment Barriers (Challenges the Caribbean faces)." Mrs Lydia Yahaya, Chief Executive Officer of Liego Company Limited, an event organising company, who launched the fair, said the event would draw the world's attention to Africa to deepen the vision of Ghana's first President, 0sagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, who sought to unite Africa with the aim of making it a centre of attraction to the outside world. She said the fair hope to erase all the colonial barriers between African nations, which made it difficult for them to invest or trade among themselves. Mrs Yahaya said it would also serve as a forum to exhibit the various potentials and businesses available on the continent. It is also expected to create employment opportunities. Mrs Yahaya said the fair, sought to provide the needed stage for the complete expression of the United Nations laudable HELP AFRICA initiative. Mr Henry Baiden, Public Relations Manager of Leigo Company, said the aim of bringing Africa together had always been expressed at ministerial meetings with African states. Mr Seth Asamoah, Chief Marketing Manager, Ghana Trade Fair Company and a member of the planning committee of the fair, fairs served as links for investors to access investment opportunities.