The Volta Regional Coordinating Council in partnership with the Association of Ghana Industries has launched the 6th edition of the Volta Trade and Investment Fair.

The Fair is themed “Leveraging the African Continental Free Trade Area for Economic Development”.

The Ho Sports Stadium would host the much anticipated Fair which is slated for 26th November to 10th December 2023.

Speaking at the launch in Ho, the Volta Regional Minister, Dr. Archibald Letsa, said the Fair seeks to promote industrialization with a purpose of nurturing the region’s private sector, which he described as the nerve center of the local economic development.

He said that this would be achieved by establishing a productive local economy, which would translate into the development of the region, with effective citizen participation.

“Industrial growth can only occur within a growing economy. We can only grow competitive industries when our economies are on the producing end and not on the receiving end”, he said.

“As an entrepreneur, I have personally tried it and I can assure you, it works”, he stressed.

He, however, counseled Ghanaian businesses to give priority to value addition to put their products at par with that of their foreign counterparts on the global market.

The Kenyan High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Eliphas Barine lauded the theme of the 6th Volta Trade and Investment Fair, which he said conforms with the vision of the African Union.

The United Nations Development Program Resident Representative, Her Excellency, Dr. Angela Lusigi, asserted that the Volta Region has the potential to enormously benefit from the African Continental Free Trade Area initiative.

“This region is endowed with a rich tapestry of resources, from agricultural products to tourism, and has the potential to emerge as a key player in the African trade landscape. With its fertile lands, picturesque landscapes, growing manufacturing base, vibrant young entrepreneurs, and flourishing tourism sector, the Volta region has much to offer.

The region is in a favorable position to contribute significantly to Ghana's export portfolio within the AfCFTA framework. For instance, the Volta region's traditional industries, such as handicrafts and textiles, can be revitalized and integrated into the broader trade framework. This will not only preserve cultural heritage but also empower local communities and generate income”, she said.

She entreated local businesses to tap into the expanded AfCFTA market to reach larger markets on the continent to increase their trades and profit margins.

She however, explained that this can only be achieved with strategic planning, infrastructure development, and capacity building, hence entreating stakeholders “to invest in modernizing the region’s transportation networks, energy systems, and digital infrastructure to seamlessly connect with other African markets”.

The Volta and Oti Regional Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries, Dela Gadzanku, disclosed that activities lined up for the Fair included the 2nd Volta Youth Summit, Maiden Volta Women Entrepreneurs Summit, Sports Investment Summit, Sports Heroes Award, Creative Arts Summit,AfCFTA Youth Innovation Contest, Volta Tours, Volta Bear Festival, and Round table meeting on the automotive policy

He hinted at some new additions to the annual fair, which are the creation of AfCFTA Village for exhibitors from other African countries and cultural nights for participating countries to showcase their valuable cultures and traditions.

“Togbe chairman, the stage is set for participants to explore uncharted territories, forge new partnerships, and pioneer groundbreaking initiatives”, he added.

The 6th Volta Trade and Investment Fair would provide a platform to promote goods, services, arts, culture, and tradition.

It is expected to attract about four hundred indigenous exhibitors and foreign companies.