Local companies urged to forge partnership

Tema, May 5, GNA- Mr Kofi Osei Ameyaw, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry on Wednesday called on local companies, to forge viable partnership with their international partners to be able to penetrate the global market. He said within the context of Ghana's long term strategic vision of achieving the middle income status by 2012, the sector Ministry is aggressively pursuing exported and domestic market led industrialisation strategies.

Mr Ameyaw made the call when he launched the new Butterfly brand of Stainless Steel products comprising vacuum flasks, water filters, pressure cookers and cookware sets for the Pioneer Aluminium Company Limited at Tema.

The stainless steel products, which were imported from the Butterfly Group of India would soon be manufactured in Ghana. The Deputy Minister said aimed at boosting non- traditional exports annually by 15 percent to hit the target of one billion in 2012. He said non- traditional products fetched the nation 588 million in 2003 and 704 million dollars in 2004.

Togbe Afede the XIV, Board Chairman of the company said the first batch of 40- footer container stainless steel products are being tested for the local market.

He said a team of experts from India were expected in the country next month to sign a technical agreement with the management of the company. Mrs Barbara Bentsi-Enchill, Chief Executive Officer of Flair Catering Services who chaired the function said the production of the stainless steel cooking wares would be of great benefit to local caterers who use large sums of money to import the items.

Established in 1959, the company has produced various aluminium cooking wares for both the local and the sub-regional markets. 05 May 05