Accra (Greater Accra) 08 June 2001
Accra is set to host a 200 million-dollar World Trade Centre (WTC) aimed at accelerating the pace of commerce and industry in Ghana.
It project is also aimed at putting the country's potential in a one-stop shop.
The Centre to be modelled on that of the Munich Trade Centre is expected to take off on December 1, 2002.
Mr Kurt Merkin, Managing Director MS Consulting, consultants to the WTC Worldwide Association, said this when he briefed members of the Ghana-British
Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GBCCI) at its general meeting in Accra on
Thursday. WTC Accra would be located in the Airport City.
Mr Merkin said negotiations with the Ghana Civil Aviation Authority are on going for additional space for an extra car park for 800 more cars.
Space for 500 cars was originally sought, "but now we are requesting extra space for 800 more cars that will cost six and a half million dollars", Mr Merkin said.
WTC Accra will have 300 permanent offices for rentals, 50 temporary offices for short-term rentals, 50 rooms for meetings, videoconference, conference, concert and theatre halls.
The rest are 40 exclusive flats, which are underway, and four restaurants, among other things. He said the International Finance Corporation of the World Bank has agreed to provide a substantial portion of the total cost of the project.
"They are, however, demanding 40 per cent equity share and therefore, we have to raise 80 million dollars. I am glad to say that we are receiving very good responses from some individuals, companies and the banking sector."
Mr Merkin said the entire project is being taken on as a franchise, adding that the business plan which is ready, will be presented in October for interested investors to make their input after which engineering and tender documents will be put forward in March next year.
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com
Accra (Greater Accra) 08 June 2001
Currency Buying Selling
US Dollar 7,054.55 7,270.55
Pound Sterling 9,824.87 10,126.42
French Franc 911.42 938.90
Swiss Franc 3,927.75 4,045.88
Deutsche Mark 3,056.42 3,149.25
Canadaian Dollar 4,635.03 4,774.36
Japanese Yen 58.71 60.47
Dutch Guilder 2,712.85 2,794.65
S/African Rand 869.97 985.50
Euro 5,978.38 6,158.87
CFA Franc 9.11 9.39
Naira 63.12 65.06
Ecowas/WAUA 8,814.32 ========
GRi…/
Send your comments to news@ghanareview.com