Chief executive officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Center Mawuena Trebah says the African continent can accelerate its development if challenges that hinder internal trade are removed.

She is convinced improved trading among African countries in areas of interest can reduce poverty, create employment and enhance cohesion among member states.

Addressing a business forum as part of activities to mark the three day official visit of Vice Prime Minister of Mauritius Xavier-Luc Duval, Mrs Trebah Ghana is taking advantage of her geographical location to deepen the pan African trade. The Mauritius delegation are in Ghana to promote investment potential in the south African country reputed to be one of the fastest growing economies in the world.

The delegation is in the country to also explore areas of investment especially in the textile and garment industry as well as the financial sector with much focus on project financing.

Mawuena Trebah who took the participants through the investment potential in Ghana said the center is working hard to develop the capacity of Ghanaian companies to enable them compete favorably with their international counterpart.

She said much as the center will look beyond the Atlantic for foreign direct inflows, trade among African countries is key to ensure sustainable development.

“We are looking for tangible outcomes and also looking forward to remove trading blocks and ensure flexibility in business transaction within the continent.”

Mrs. Trebah who had earlier met with the Switzerland business delegation in Ghana pointed out the strategic location and stable political climate in the country makes it ideal for investment

The Vice Prime Minister Xavier-Luc Duval at the business forum at the Labadi Beach Hotel attended by Ghanaians business outlined areas his country will be interested in investing.

Mauritius has long been known for its sugar industry but venturing into new territory has helped boost the economy.

"The resilience of the economy has come about by great diversification,” said Duval.

“We were basically sugar at the start; then we moved to textiles and then tourism and now we’re into more hi-tech things like ICT, BPO which is also counter-cyclical,” he added.

Minister for Trade and Industry Haruna Iddrisu, who opened the GIPC Mauritius investment meeting on behalf of the Vice President Paa Kwesi Amissah Arthur, said government has put in place measures conducive for investment in the country.

A memorandum of understanding was signed for cooperation between the Ghana Stock Exchange and the Mauritius Stock Exchange.