Rise up to the European market - MOTI

Accra, Sept. 10, GNA - The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Presidential Special Initiatives (MOTI/PSI) on Wednesday asked Ghanaian participants to Ghana EXPO 2003 in the UK to rise up to the demands of the European market.

Briefing participants to the event, scheduled to run from October 15 to 18, 2003, Mr Kwadwo Affram Asiedu, Deputy Minister of MOTI/PSI urged them to note that the European market was robust and should not be entered lightly.

The briefing was meant to get participants acquainted with the mode and scope of things to expect during the EXPO, which is attracting a number of personalities including ministers, the Asantehene Otumfuo Osei-Tutu, regional coordinating councils and other private sector operators.

The Ghana EXPO 2003, is a trade investment exhibition and conference event that offers a one-stop shop to showcase Ghana's potential in a range of products, including garments, textiles, handicrafts, agro-processing, agriculture, and tourism.

Mr Asiedu said it was an opportunity to take hold of the European market, show the Ghanaian resilience and will to succeed. "You have to ensure that you take full advantage of the EXPO 2003, exhibit your best. Do not be intimidated whatsoever and strive to leave a memorable impact on visitors to the event."

He urged them to ensure that they make follow up calls and contacts a focal point to maintain a hold in the new market they would be entering.

Mr Asiedu said Ghana's High Commission in London was prepared and willing to facilitate the activities of participants. Mr Kwesi Osei Adjei, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs asked the participants not to sell themselves cheap but should rather make sure that they were adequately prepared to match-up with the demands of the international market.

He said government is putting adequate measures in place to facilitate a smooth exhibition and investment conference adding that, " we know the role and potential of the private sector and will support it to the hilt."

He admitted that there was still a lot the private sector ought to know and gave the assurance that the Ministry has set up an Economic and Trade Bureau to see this vision materialise. Mr Adjei asked the participants not to overstay their visas since that tendency put the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in an uncomfortable position.

"You have to honour the terms for which the visas were given to justify the role of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in securing them in the first place," Mr Adjei added. Mr Kwasi Owusu-Afriyie, Executive Director of EXPO Events told the their efforts.