Business News of Sunday, 28 November 2010

Source: GNA

Turkish companies converge in Ghana

Accra, Nov. 28, GNA - More than 70 Turkish companies will converge in Ghana to exhibit their products at the Ghana International Trade Fair Centre in Accra from December 8 December 11. The products to be exhibited include, iron and steel products, mechanical appliances, electrical machinery and equipment. Also on display would include agricultural products, fertilisers, irrigation systems, disinfectants, household and kitchen products, building chemicals, diapers, detergents, cleaning products, milling machines and drilling machines and compressors.

The wide range of products comprise mill systems (cleaning, grinding, conveying units - compact structure automation storage systems), satellite antennas, light construction equipment, hand tools, power transformers, distribution transformers, hydraulic cutting machines, mechanical cutting machines, light construction equipment, mobile phones, digital satellite and a wide range of electronic products as well as clothing, mineral fuels and oils, articles of iron and steel products.

The second of its kind, the exhibition is being co-ordinated by Meridyen International Fair Organisation of Turkey and Driwald Consult of Ghana with the support of the Embassy of Turkey, Ghana Export Promotions Council, Association of Ghana Industries and the Ghana Chamber of Commerce among other corporate entities.

Mr Alper Cekic, Meridyen's Chief Executive Officer, said in a statement in Accra at the weekend that the exhibition would provide a unique opportunity to showcase products from Turkey and develop productive business relations with their counterparts in Ghana for effective knowledge sharing. Turkish exports, he noted: "Reached $115.3 billion in 2007, and has a target of $200 billion by 2013, and a total trade of at least $450 billion," he said.

"There has been a considerable shift in exports in the last two decades.

"We are passionate about reaching new markets with Turkey's diverse quality export products portfolio and look forward to sharing these enduring achievements with Ghana. "I am delighted Meridyen will be involved in showcasing Turkish products in Ghana as it is an important strategic priority for us to connect with Africa.

"As a certified international fair organiser Meridyen has the ability and the necessary experience to realise great events. Over the years we have organised more than 120 successful international exhibitions in 16 European, Asian and African countries. Our record speaks for itself and our clients are the best reference point" Mr Cekic said.

Mr Walter Djokoto, Chief Executive Officer, Driwald Consult, the local firm partnering Meridyen said: "All is set for a great exhibition, with . 70 companies from Turkey participating. Into the future we will look at showcasing Ghanaian products in Turkey."

Turkey's dynamic economy is a complex mix of modern industry and commerce along with a traditional agriculture sector that accounts for up to 34 per cent of employment.

Straddling the continents of Europe and Asia, Turkey's strategic location has given it major influence in the region and control over the entrance to the Black Sea.

With a rapidly growing private sector, Turkey is among the world's leading producers of agricultural products; textiles; motor vehicles, ships and other transportation equipment; construction materials; consumer electronics and home appliances.

The country has been a party to several international bilateral and multilateral agreements, and has over the years been a member of organisations such as Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, World Trade Organisation (OECD), International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and the Multinational International Guaranty Agency (MIGA). Turkey is at the northeast end of the Mediterranean Sea in southeast Europe and southwest Asia and has the world's 15th largest GDP-Public-Private Partnership and 17th largest Nominal GDP. The country is a founding member of the OECD and the G-20 major economies. 28 Nov. 10