The Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) and Chang Chun city in the Ji lin pronvice in China have held discussions in forming a sister city relations to promote and strengthen ties in the area of trade and development, for the benefits of the two cities.

The discussion which took place at the KMA on the Tuesday, May 8, 2018, involved officials of KMA, led by the Mayor of Kumasi, Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi, and a twenty-five Chinese investors delegation from the Chang Chun city in the Ji lin province in China, led by the Director of Commerce, Liu Nai Jun.

In welcoming theChinese investors’delegation to his office, the Kumasi Mayor briefed them on the history of Ashanti region and its capital, Kumasi, and some areas of business opportunities in the city.

“The Government of Ghana in its policies has introduced ‘one district one factory’; you can take advantage of build more factories in Kumasi here. There is a opportunities in the railway lines, the inland port at Boankra, the building of multi storey car packs in the center of the city meet the increasing number of that operates in the city, the building of students’ hostels among others,” he said.

The Mayor assured the Chinese that, as an old city, there is a business opportunity in housing regeneration, where more houses can be built to meet increasing population in the city and called for the establishment of “China Trade Centre” in Kumasi, where all trades between the Chinese and their Kumasi counterparts will take place.

“Most Ghanaians traders who come to China for businesses are from Kumasi and establishing a trade center here will help you bring our goods and services to the door steps of these traders, therefore boosting your sales. The companies in China can establish their offices here headed by their representatives to facilitate their business transactions,” he added.

“In acquisition of lands for construction and establishment of businesses, the King of Ashanti, Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, is ready to release for the development of his city,” he assured.

The Kumasi Mayor believed the relationship will benefit the city and Ghana as a whole.

In his remarks, the Director of Commerce for Chang Chun city, Liu Nai Jun, speaking through an interpreter expressed their commitment in building a sister city relationship that will afford both cities the chance to explore business opportunities.

Delivering the letter of intent to the Kumasi Mayor, he believed by the next time they come back to Kumasi, the KMA would have agreed considered their proposal of forming the Kumasi-Chang Chu sister city partnership.

“I believe that the Kumasi Mayor and his Assemble will consider our proposal to have a very good relationship that allows us to come to Kumasi and doing business here. We want the Mayor to give us more information on other business areas for consideration, and I hope by the time we come here to Kumasi, they have agreed in forming the alliance for the beneficial to the Kumasi and Chang Chu,” Liu Nai Jun said.