More than 60 Small and Medium
Enterprises (SMEs) converged on the Accra International Conference Centre
(AICC), the venue of the German Cooperation “Made-in-Ghana” Expo to showcase a
variety of goods and services to the public.
It
was also to create the necessary exposure for the investment community.
The
Expo is part of the Ghana-Germany SME Training and Exchange Programme, which is
being implemented by COGNOS International with support from Invest for Jobs, an
initiative of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and
Development (BMZ), the German Development Agency (GIZ) and partners.
The event, which was open to the
public, presented a networking opportunity for potential business partners and
a shopping opportunity for patrons interested in food and beverages, cosmetics,
shea butter, furniture, decorative items, fashion and textiles.
The concept
Opening
the expo in Accra on August 17, the Country Director of GIZ Ghana, Regina
Bauerochse Barbosa, stated that the expo was an opportunity to deepen
understanding on the important contribution of SMEs to growth and job creation.
“We can rely on the creativity,
innovations and ideas made in Ghana, thereby supporting sustainable growth and
employment creation. Let’s promote Ghanaian products in Ghana and beyond,” she
stated.
He
said they were supported through training and matchmaking opportunities with
European companies, was underpinned by the idea of building the capacities of
these SMEs with growth and export potential to improve their readiness to
compete in national and international markets.
Entrepreneurial spirit
The
German Ambassador to Ghana, Daniel Krull, said entrepreneurial spirit was the
driving force of the country’s economic development, inclusive growth and
creating jobs for a growing number of hopeful Ghanaians.
He
said today’s expo was proof of outstanding creativity, innovation and the rich
Ghanaian culture.
“I commend all the promising
entrepreneurs participating in the programme. We are proud to share this part
of your exciting journey. I am convinced that you will make ‘Made- in-Ghana’ a
great success and a prestigious brand across the world,” he said.
Non-traditional exports
On
her part, the Team Leader of the MSME Division at the Ministry of Trade and
Industry (MoTI), Stella Ansah, noted that Ghana in recent times was leveraging
the promotion of Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) to diversify its economy.
She
said Germany, in this regard, was seen as a formidable ally whose market was
capable of giving authentic Ghanaian products and SMEs the needed visibility.
The Managing Director (MD) of COGNOS
International, Mathias Afting, expressed delight in the SMEs and how far they
have come.
“We
are really impressed by the Ghanaian companies and entrepreneurs we have met
and are proud of the number of jobs that have been able to create. It
demonstrates the power of collaboration between Europe and Africa,” he said.
Mr
Afting emphasised that the 60 SMEs will continue to receive follow-up coaching
to further strengthen their operations.
Source:Graphic Online