We had good showing at China Fair – Exporters

Officials and exporters at the 19th China International Fair (CIFIT) for Investment and Trade, say they had a good showing and high level of interest from investors, and their objective of striking partnership deals was largely met.

Dr Henry Shirazu Alhassan, Director, Corporate Planning and Communication, Export Trade, Agricultural and Industrial Development Fund (EDAIF), said the exporters demonstrated their entrepreneurial skills and business acumen in showcasing the variety of non-traditional exports (NTEs).

“I believe that the Ghana stand has been so impressive. In addition to that we at EDAIF are very proud that the number of companies that we have supported took the opportunity to come here to market and push for additional investment,” he said.

“Equally we need to see how we can increase our participation in such future fairs to make sure that we push the NTEs traditional sector in the country,” he added.

Dr Alhassan urged the exporters to be willing to take some amount of risk to complement the support EDAIF is given to them.

“Government is supposed to stimulate and to support but not to shoulder the entire burden in terms of participation in fairs,” he added.

On product presentation, Dr Alhassan said while some of the exporters’ packaging were very good, others would need to improve.

“This is an investment fair and technology is highly important. I believe that those who have packaging challenges can look for packaging opportunities in China to ensure that their products are highly attractive in the international market,” he added.

Mrs Brigitte Therson-Cofie, Procurement Manager, Jospong Group of Companies said the participation in the fair had been fruitful.

“We have investors showing interest in our activities and our Beijing Office would follow up to clinch deals to grow the business,” she said, adding that the company would participate in any future fairs to build partnerships.

Ms Anita Quashie, Marketing Manager Ghana Free Zones Board, said the objective of promoting investment opportunities in Ghana to the investor community had largely been met.

“We have made significant contacts in promoting Ghana as a gateway and to encourage Chinese investors. We hope to make good progress on the contacts to clinch deals,” she said.

Mrs Francesca Opoku, Solutions Oasis, shea butter said the fair had been very fantastic.

“I have met investors interested in my products and who are willing to go into partnerships. That is the essence of my participation in the fair.

Mr George Amissah, Managing Director of Daysah Ventures producers of Moringa and hibiscus tea said his expectations had been met.

Mr David Nsoah Amoah, Managing Director, Dasoa Company Limited, said the fair had been really good, saying he had received orders for his baskets.

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry facilitated Ghana’s participation in the CIFIT fair for the second successive year with the aim to consolidate the gains made in the previous edition.

It is the third time Ghana is taken part in an international fair in China, having first participated in the Forest Product Fair in Yiwu.