GRi BEF News Ghana 03 - 10 - 2001
Ghana to get World Trade Centre
Apraku leads trade delegation to Netherlands
Accra (Greater Accra) 03 October 2001 - A World Trade Centre is to be built in Accra at a cost of 45 million dollars under a project to be funded by the World Trade Centres Association, Mr Kurt Merki, project co-ordinator said on Tuesday.
Mr Merki said the Centre would provide exclusive business services, international and local trade libraries, publications and media assistance to organisations and business agencies in the West African sub-region.
It would also undertake market research on economic regions, industries, companies, products and investment opportunities among other things.
Addressing delegates at the bi-annual National Day of the Ghana Shippers' Council in Accra, Mr Merki said although the New York Trade Centre was in ruins, those behind the attacks would never succeed in destroying the collective desire of the people to forge ahead.
Mr Merki said the Trade Centre would provide Ghana the best opportunity to establish herself as the Gateway to the sub-region through the promotion of trade with its country membership activities.
"The Centre would offer a one stop-business access, a Golden Age of Business, to economies in the West African sub-region and enhance South-South Co-operation," he said.
The project, which would be launched before the end of the year, would be sited within the new Airport City. Construction of the multi-complex building would start in November. It would take two years to complete.
It would provide both small and medium scale businesses the opportunity to spread their activities. Facilities at the Centre would include a car park for 500 cars, 300 permanent offices for rentals, 50 temporary offices for short rentals and meeting rooms.
There would also be conference rooms, banquet halls and exclusive flats for rentals.
GRi../
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Accra (Greater Accra) 03 October 2001 - Dr Kofi Konadu Apraku, Minister of Trade and Industry is leading a business delegation to Amsterdam to explore new opportunities and consolidate existing economic relations, an official statement in Accra said on Tuesday.
Whiles in the Netherlands Dr Apraku would represent the government to commemorate the centenary of diplomatic relations between Ghana and the Netherlands.
He will also go to Brussels to hold discussions with the European Union Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) arising out of Ghana's export of canned tuna and tuna loins to Europe.
The statement said Dr Apraku would discuss trade-related issues with the President of the European Commission, Mr Romano Prodi.
Mr Johnson Adasi, Principal Industrial Promotion Officer of the Ministry, Mr Godfred Otchere, MP for Ayesuano, Dr. J.A Addison of Multiwall Paper Industry, Mr. Isaac Whyte of Omega Travel and Tours, Mr Moses Jasi-Addae of London Lalique and Ms Ellen Panti of Pan Timbers are the other members of the delegation.
GRi../
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