As the CalBank Trade Summit opened in Turkey, Ghanaian businesses were encouraged to explore export opportunities to foster growth and economic resilience amid a challenging 2024.

Highlighting the need for diversification, the Head of Commercial Banking at CalBank Plc, Daniel Appiah, emphasised the importance of exports for economic stability.

“Our currency keeps going up, but the dollar rate is the same. If local businesses are able to export, they bring forex to the country and help the economy grow,” he said.

Several Ghanaian companies are attending the summit in Turkey to establish partnerships, explore new markets, and gain international exposure.

Among the participants is Felix Boadu, CEO of Earthlink Ltd, a construction firm, who shared, “In building and construction, you need to know what others are doing. I am in Turkey to learn about their industry so I can improve my business.”

Following the summit’s opening, Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions enabled Ghanaian companies to network with Turkish business owners and investors.

The event builds on previous B2B successes, which have helped Ghanaian businesses secure international contracts and partnerships.

Global Eternity Founder and CEO, Banu Sönmez, who led the Turkish delegation, urged continuous engagement between both countries, calling for Ghanaian businesses to enhance product quality to attract investors and expand their market presence in Turkey.

Trade between both countries increases every year. However, Turkey exports more to Ghana, reaching $421.25 million in 2022, according to the United Nations COMTRADE database on international trade.

The Ghanaian delegation will next head to Dubai for additional B2B engagements as part of this year’s Trade Summit.