Ghanaian exhibitors are in high spirit as the 13th Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo (MENOPE 2015) opens at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre, on Monday.

Twelve Ghanaian exhibitors are participating in the three-day event being held from 2nd to 4th November.

It is expected to feature more than 120 companies, including 75 international exhibitors and attract more than 4,000 visitors.

The Ghanaian exhibitors are showcasing products such as shea butter, dried fruits, black soap, moringa and hibiscus tea, cocoa powder and honey.

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority, under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry, is coordinating the participation of the Ghanaian companies on the theme: “Promoting Quality Products to Maximise Market Opportunities.”

This is the first time Ghana is taking part in the MENOPE.

Briefing the exhibitors ahead of the opening of the fair, Ms Gifty Otoo, the Principal Export Development Officer, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, asked them to refrain from over-pricing their products in order not to drive away potential customers and investors.

She said it was necessary to keep a daily record of potential investors, who visited the stands for future follow-ups and discussions.

Ms Otoo told the exhibitors that a key measure of success would be the leads and orders they would be able to secure during their participation in the fair, and how that would impact on the contribution of the non-traditional exports.

Mr Daniel Osei, the Consul General of Ghana in the United Arab Emirates, who visited the stands during the opening of the fair, advised the Ghanaian exhibitors to pitch their business ideas to potential investors through the good presentation of their products.

They should also formalise any agreement reached with investors,

He said although trade between Ghana and UAE was on the rise, there was the need for Ghanaian businesses to position themselves to be able to attract investors from the region.

He said GEPA's facilitation of the exhibitors to the fair demonstrated the bright future of trade between the two countries.

Trade volumes between Ghana and UAE reached $2.5 billion and there are plans to increase this to $5 billion in the next few years.