Dutch to invest 20 million guilders in Mole park

The Dutch government is to invest about 20 million guilders in the Mole Game Park as part of its contribution to stimulate Eco-tourism in Ghana, the visiting Dutch Minister of Foreign Trade, Mr Gerrit Yebma said on Tuesday.

Addressing a news conference on the last day of his visit to the country, Mr Yebma said the amount would be granted under The Netherlands bilateral environment programme.

"We will continue to offer assistance to Ghana under the terms of existing bilateral relations and there are chances to further deepen such assistance," he said.

Mr Yebma said, in view of the special relationship between the two countries, the Netherlands was the first country to offer Ghana a Balance of Payment support of 122 million Dutch Guilders ($55.6 million) in January to enable her meet its immediate economic problems.

He also mentioned the support in the field of medical, water and textbooks supply under the development related export transaction of which the Netherlands government spent 40 million guilders.

Mr Yebma described the injection of the 122 million guilders as crucial to the economic survival of the country, considering the critical economic difficulties at the time.

He said although the economy cannot be said to be in the best shape at the moment, there is every hope that the country will come out of its predicament, adding, "the tough decisions of the government will go a long way to reverse the situation."

Mr Yebma said, the successful transition from one civilian government to another had inspired confidence and trust in the country business community all over the world as "the safest haven for investment."

"The interest of the government in the private sector and the concept of a golden age of business is an added impetus," he said.

Mr Yebma said his visit to Ghana, with the largest trade mission ever to Africa is an ample demonstration of the faith the Netherlands business community has in doing business in the country.

He mentioned Transport, infrastructure development, Ports, Agriculture and tourism as some promising areas for further economic co-operation, saying the Netherlands have a lot of expertise and technical support to offer in these areas. The country has also made investment in the energy and other sectors. He said his government is satisfied with all on-going projects in different sectors under the bilateral co-operation and there is hope of other future commitment.

The Dutch Minister arrived in the country last Friday with a 45-man business delegation to explore investment opportunities in the country.