2019 Trade Fair targets trade boost for SMEs

The 23rd edition of the Ghana International Trade Fair to be held next year, will target trade and business boost while focusing on developing the capacity of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).

This according to the Trade Fair Centre, has become necessary because there are a number of SMEs and start-ups that are struggling to find their feet in the business environment.

Some of these enterprise shave inadequate capital whereas others lack the capacity of introducing their products and services to the local and international markets. Thus, the focus of the impending trade fair is encouraging for many SMEs

Launched on the theme:“Made in Ghana, Globally Accepted”, the event, which starts from February 28 through to March 11, 2019, is an international convention flagship which aims at promoting trade.

It represents a major opportunity to showcase Ghana’s domestic products and services to global partners through business networking.

Whiles the 22nd event focused on Regional Day celebrations, One District One Factory project and entertainment festivals, the 2019 edition affords players in the SMEs sector the opportunity to participate in the accompanying international convention and exhibition and thus to interact with top tier Chief Executive Officers and international partners.

This is aimed at exchanging ideas to create a healthy networking relationship to enable SMEs find partners in order to promote local products and services to the international markets.

For more than two decades, the event has provided opportunity for multinational companies to find their local partners although the latter has preferred to focus their efforts primarily on maximizing their sales during the two-week period.

Speaking at the launch,the C.E.O. of Ghana Trade Fair Company Limited, Dr. Agnes Adu said her outfit was ready to provide the needed platform for small and medium sized companies to come together to network, exchange ideas, and introduce products to the international markets.

“We have conferences and incubator platforms that will connect small businesses to seasoned CEO’s and that will help owners of SMEs pick ideas on how to get a good planned idea on paper and making sure the products and services they provide are exposed to the global markets” she stated.

Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr. Carlos Ahenkora, who was the Special Guest of Honour, launched the event. He noted the activity was in line with government’s strategic agenda of enhancing the domestic trade environment which seeks to ensure that products that are manufactured in Ghana are consumed locally.