The World Trade Centre Accra (WTCA) has concluded a 8-day trade mission to the Netherlands as part of its effort to promote trade and investment between the two countries and advance Ghanaian business interests in the region.

The trade delegation comprised of 26 representatives from Ghanaian businesses and government agencies.

The successful trade mission provided the attendees with an opportunity to interact with Dutch companies to learn innovative technologies in the water, energy, health, food and agriculture, and real estate sectors.

It also provided them with access to B2B matchmaking sessions which resulted in three participants signing business deals on the spot.

The trade mission took place during the World Trade Centers Association General Assembly Meeting held in Leeuwarden and Amsterdam, Netherlands from April 22-28, 2018.

The General Assembly is an annual event attended by representatives from over 300 World Trade Centres around the world representing 88-member countries.

The event serves as a platform for WTC members, staff and management to share knowledge on key industries and to learn more about doing business around the world.

The trade and investment mission was led by Togbe Afede XIV, the Executive Chairman of WTC Accra and Board Member of WTCA. It comprised of companies from the food and beverage, finance, medical, agriculture, real estate, construction, and oil and gas sectors as well as a public investment promotion organization and a district assembly.

In commenting on the mission the DCE for Bole District Assembly, Madam Alala Veronica Heming, indicated that vital contacts were made with investors interested in agriculture. “More importantly, we are bringing in a company that produces dairy products to partner University for Development Studies (UDS) in breeding special species of cattle in the Northern sector of the country,” she said.

Managing Director for Dyroc Ventures said, “participating in the trade mission through WTC Accra has been a great success for his company. ‘Truly, I have closed a business deal instantly to expand my transport business. WTC Accra’s expertise in linking local businesses to international partners is currently unmatched in Ghana.”

Similarly, Mike Okyere, Managing Director of 1231 Global Ventures was also appreciative of the platform WTC Accra presented to his company since he was able to conclude a deal on cheese and confectionery products to expand his business. ‘Other foreseeable business deals for the upcoming year will mark a major turnaround for my company’, he disclosed.

The delegates therefore undoubtedly leveraged the opportunities the trade mission presented and identified partners to take advantage of the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative by the government to boost value addition of the country’s natural resources.