Chamber of Commerce and Industry France Ghana holds seminar for investors

Chamber of Commerce and Industry France Ghana has organised a seminar at the Accra City Hotel with regional members of Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Accra.

The meeting was to expose French businesses to opportunities available in Ghana and be oriented on the market dynamics in Ghana.

The event which hosted delegation of African Experts was graced by H.E. Francois Pujolas the French Ambassador to Ghana who was optimistic about the prospects of doing business in Ghana citing Ghana's 7.9% growth in 2017 and 11% inflation rate in 2017 down from about 17% in 2016.

These were made known through a press release which also gave details of the issues deliberated on at the event.

Find below the press release

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry France Ghana (CCIFG) is currently hosting the CAP Afrique Delegation of African Experts to better understand the market and explore business opportunities.

The Delegation is made up of representatives from the regional CCIs in France who through their visit to Ghana can portray to French businesses and investors the opportunities available so as to extend their business activity.

The seminar begun with a debriefing by the Ambassador of France to Ghana H.E. Francois Pujolas as well as the Vice-President of the CCIFG Gauthier Pourcelle. In his welcome message to the delegation, the French Ambassador spoke on the positive outlook of the Ghanaian economy pointing out the growth of 7.9% realised in 2017, as well as the drop in inflation from 17% in 2016 to 11.8% in 2017.

He also elaborated on the growing relations between Ghana and France which was reinforced by the visit of the President of France, H.E. Emmanuel Macron to Ghana in November. The French President’s visit was part of his attempt to modernise France's relations with Africa by emphasising business links, education and sport rather than development aid.

He discussed further this relationship through the activity of French businesses in Ghana citing examples such as Air France with the introduction of direct flights between Ghana and Paris. He mentioned this has boosted economic relations as well as import and export via air cargo between both countries.

He also made mention of the merger between Danone and Fanmilk who are successful in Ghana with their milk-based products, Cocoa Touton Processing Company which is transforming the cocoa processing sector in Ghana, Decathlon’s implantation in Ghana and the partnership between Bolloré and Maersk for the concession of a new terminal at the Tema port and its development.

He concluded that this visit was crucial to further advancing relations between both countries with Ghana being the second largest economy in Ghana.

The Vice-President of CCIFG addressing the delegation spoke on the economic rebound experienced in2017 which gives a positive expectation for 2018. This he said has been fortified with the World Bank ranking Ghana as number one in economic growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.

He attributed the country’s success to its effective democracy which has permitted political stability for about 20 years. He went further to speak on the positive impact that this political stability has given birth.

He explained that the viable state of affairs allows the government and investors to engage together on major infrastructure projects, to which he mentioned the Tema Port expansion and the construction of the new airport terminal at the Kotoka International Airport.

These projects will result in a tripling of the flow of goods managed, as well as lead to an increase the capacity at the international airport to 5 million passengers thus strengthening its position as the leading logistics hub in West Africa.

The debriefing and welcome conference was followed by a press conference where the media were enlightened on the work of the delegation, the role played by CCI France Ghana and the significance of the CAP Afrique seminar.

Speaking on behalf of the CAP Afrique delegation, Bruno MAZUREL from CCI International Auvergne Rhône Alpes said the week-long visit will show first-hand the potential that Ghana presents in addition to giving an even greater understanding of the Anglophone market.

This will enable he and the other members of the delegation of African Experts better promote the market to interested investors. Ghana being Anglophone is often overshadowed by the francophone countries and this visit is a huge step to better promote the Ghanaian market to France.

The visit will be followed with scheduled trade missions to Ghana during the course of the year. The delegation will visit key infrastructure projects as well as meet with Ghanaian stakeholders and major French players in major sectors in Ghana.

Addressing the press, the Managing Director of the CCI France Ghana said there was a need to organise events of this nature to give better exposure to the Ghanaian market. Business activity at the CCIFG also seeks to assist companies in Ghana extend their businesses abroad.

As such, CCIFG will organise a business breakfast to educate participants on the opportunities available as well as requirements and other vital information in preparation of a trade mission to France.

CCIFG will continue to use its extensive network to provide a platform for business development in Ghana, France and abroad.

CCI France Ghana

The Chamber of Commerce and Industry France Ghana is an association of companies and professionals belonging to different sectors which aim at supporting, fostering and enhancing bilateral trade and investment relations between French and Ghanaian companies.

With over 20 business sectors represented, the CCIFG acts as a business support system to its members by providing information through market studies, product-market testing, prospective missions and trade shows.

The promotion of the Ghanaian market and providing a bridge between Ghana and France is at the core business of the Chamber. This objective is materialised through tailored business support services to French companies wishing to develop their activities in Ghana.

CCIFG also launched and successfully executed Ghana Days to effectively promote the Ghanaian market in France and abroad.