Ghanaian German Economic Association Fair opens

Accra, Oct. 3, GNA - Dr Marius Haas, Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, on Wednesday said more could be done to encourage investment decisions by establishing clear and transparent rules for investors.

He said transparency in import and customs procedures, the registration process, access to land and justice and the strict pursuance of the zero tolerance for corruption would create a conducive investment conditions in any given country.

Dr Haas was speaking at the opening of a four-day Show Case and Business Forum organised by the Ghanaian-German Economic Association for members from the banking sector, trade and industry. He said in addition to those measures there was to improve the infrastructure; especially for energy and transport as well as a successful public sector reform.

The GGEA was established in 1999 to offer services such as market research, mediating first contacts for companies from Ghana and Germany, providing information on rules, laws and procedures and recommending legal assistance.

Dr Haas also called for an intensification of trade and business relations between the two countries to develop the private sector in Ghana and create more job opportunities in both countries.

He commended the GGEA for the renewed initiative to organise the trade fair for interested Ghanaians and the international public. Mrs Gifty Ohene-Konadu, Deputy Minister of Trade, Industry, Private Sector Development and the President's Special Initiatives (PSI), urged the Association to use its expertise to link more businesses to enhance the growth of the economy.

She said Ghana's trade volume with Germany had declined over the years due to unfavourable trade barriers and stressed the need to give the two countries equal opportunities to trade.

The new Mercedes C-class will be launched on Friday to climax the fair.