A total of 61 exhibitors from Wa, Kumasi, Accra and the Western Regions, are participating in the fifth edition of the Western regional branch of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) led Chamber Bazaar.
The exhibitors showcased commodities mainly made in Ghana: African wears, fabrics, beadings, smocks and smock materials, wigs, cosmetics, shoes, chiropractor services, jewelry, children’s wear and beverages among others, within the 10 days event.
The theme for the fifth edition of the GNCCI Bazaar is: “Empowering and Preparing SMEs for Global Markets.”
Mr Lord Kwame Segbeawu, the Western Regional Chairman of the GNCCI at the opening ceremony said the Bazaar over the last five years had created a platform for readiness through exposure, networking and capacity building to enable SMEs to meet standards and expand reach in the global market.
With the moment built over the years, enterprises were positioned to benefit from African Intercontinental Free Trade and other international opportunities and through collaboration and resilience.
The Western Region, he noted would become the hub for export and competitive businesses with the right structures and infrastructure to assist SMEs to grow into their fullest potentials.
Mr Joseph Nelson, the Western Regional Minister expressed his happiness at the vibrant market created by entrepreneurs, innovators and exhibitors, describing their efforts as key to the continual growth of the Region.
He said, the competition in the market space would require businesses to reassess their strategies, respond to changing market conditions and embrace innovations to remain relevant.
The Minister said, flexibility and forward-looking were essential for survival and sustained growth.
Mr Nelson urged them to prioritise value addition through processing, packaging, branding and meeting international standards, saying “this requires a shift in mindset, willingness to innovate and the ability to align products with the expectations of diverse markets.”
He, therefore, advised them to take full advantage of support systems in state institutions like the Ghana Enterprise Agency, the Association of Ghana Industries, Food and Drugs Authority and Standards Board in their growth path.
The Minister added that the Investment and Business Centre of the Regional Coordinating Council had been strengthened to also facilitate business growth.
Mr Samuel Kofi Ganusah, of the Office of the Registrar of Companies noted how significant it was for them to register their businesses, to enable them to take advantage of government programmes and policies for the SMEs sector.
Distinguished individuals and institutions like Nhyirakese Wellness Centre, Koffman Investment and the MP for Takoradi, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, received citations for their role in entrenching the annual events in Takoradi.
A fifth anniversary cake was cut to mark the milestone.
From Mildred Siabi-Mensah, Takoradi
GNA
