1st ECOWAS Batik and Christmas gifts fair opens

Accra, Dec 15, GNA - Mrs Esther D. Ofori, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Trade Fair Company on Monday called on small-scale businesses engaged in the making of batik-tie and dye to learn different strategies that could add value and improve their products for the ECOWAS market. Mrs Ofori, who made the call at the opening of a Batik and Christmas gift bazaar in Accra said some batik, though they looked nice easily faded and did not last.
She said batik was being made in so many African countries, however, each country's Batik had some peculiar differences in the fabrics.
Mrs Ofori urged manufacturers of dyes, used in making batik to teach participants the different types of dyes or material that should be used to obtain good results.
The nine-day fair formally meant to zero in Batik Tie and Dye within the sub-region has been expanded to include other products such as interior decorations, frozen foods, biscuits and confectionary, live birds and poultry products on display.
It would offer participants the opportunity to meet new and old customers, get feedback on the popularity of their products and services and attempt to increase their market share through application of modern marketing techniques. Thirty-five exhibitors from Ghana, Burkina Faso, Cote D'Ivoire and Eqypt are participating in the fair. Mr Eddie Mbeah-Amoakuh, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Ghana Trade Fair Company, who opened the fair called on participants to package their goods attractively and price them in ways that would attract patronage.
He said this would help participants to clear most of their stocks during this Christmas season.
Mr Mbeah-Amoakuh however, warned exhibitors to avoid the display of unwholesome goods and the tendency to disregard the views of the consuming public.
Mr Eddie Mbeah-Amoakuh called for measures to enhance the development of the textile sector.
He said such measures, which were already being taken by government and which will still be in compliance with WTO rules would assist industries to increase their share of the local market and encourage more into the export market.
He said the fair was organised at the time government had demonstrated openly by words and deeds that the private sector was the real engine of growth.
Various mechanisms were being put in place to support the business community and the industrialists to expand their businesses. He said, through policies and the stabilisation of the cedi against the major currencies, the aim to change the business climate in Ghana was already showing signs of success.
He said the Ministry of Trade and Industry was working closely with Customs, Excise and Preventive Service to modify the procedures for the clearing of goods and services, which lead to a reduction in cost of doing business in Ghana and help reduce prices of goods to make them affordable.