Belgium delegation explores business partnerships in Ghana

Accra, June 7, GNA - A 40-member business executive from Belgium Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture on Monday interacted with their Ghanaian counterparts to explore avenues of partnership and cooperation to boost trade between the two countries. Mr Maurice Vermeesch, Chairman of East-African Chapter of Belgium Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture said they decided to establish trade partnerships with Ghanaian firms because of the strength and stability in the economy.

He said in addition, Ghana upheld international best standards of business transactions coupled with her improved relationship with the World Bank and other international organizations that convinced the delegation that their investments would be safe in Ghana. Mr Vermeesch said members of the delegation were interested in partnerships in water treatment, logistics, ports and agri-business.

He was optimistic the interactions would yield positive results. Mr Mahama Ayariga, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, said government was implementing

reforms on legislative and administrative procedures to ensure that the country's investment environment

was friendly to investors. He mentioned continuous economic stability, low inflation rate, competitive corporate tax rates and

investment incentives, vibrant financial infrastructure, available skilled labour as some of the measures

and incentives which made the country an attractive destination for investment.

Mr Ayariga said government was promoting investment in seven areas including agriculture and agri- business, financial services, information and communication technology, infrastructure and utilities, manufacturing and industries, oil and mining services and tourism to support growth and development programmes. He assured the delegation of favourable legal regime to facilitate their operations and urged them to respect the laws of the land. Mr Dirk Verheyen, Belgium's Ambassador to La Cote d'Ivoire with responsibility over Ghana, announced that the Belgian Government would commence issuing visas to Ghanaian businessmen in Accra from next month. Currently, Ghanaians travelling to Belgium acquire visas in La Cote d'Ivoire because Belgium has no Consulate in Ghana.

Mr Verheyen said Belgium would use the platform of a sister-Consulate in Ghana to issue visas to only businessmen from Ghana; other Ghanaians still had to come to La Cote d'Ivoire to acquire visas to travel

to Belgium. The delegation that arrived in Accra last Saturday would continue to interact with other business

leaders in the country before their departure on Wednesday. The Ghanaian delegation was drawn from the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI), Ghana Chamber

of Commerce, and Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC).