The Upper East Region has opened talks with Chinese companies on investments in solar energy, agriculture, poultry, agro-processing, manufacturing and technology as it seeks to accelerate its transformation into an agro-industrial hub.
Regional Minister Akamugri Donatus Atanga led a week-long investment mission to China from September 13 to 20, engaging companies, trade representatives and other institutions on opportunities for investment and technology partnerships in the region.
The engagements form part of the Upper East Regional Coordinating Council’s efforts to attract private capital and technical expertise under its “Prosperity through Enterprise, Agriculture, Resilience and Livelihoods (PEARL) Framework.”
At Dongfang Electronics Park, the delegation explored partnerships in solar energy, including the possibility of establishing solar production or assembly capacity in the Upper East to support irrigation, agriculture and industrial activities.
The Minister also engaged Fox ESS Company Ltd in Shanghai on energy management and green technology, while discussions with Jinghua Company Co. Limited, a manufacturer of water meters, focused on modern water-management systems for irrigation and water distribution.
Agriculture and agro-processing were another major focus of the mission.
At RMT8 Company Ltd in Linyi, discussions centred on integrated agriculture and poultry production, including opportunities to strengthen the poultry value chain from feed production and farming to processing and value addition.
The delegation also held discussions with the Linyi Group of Companies on industrial opportunities in tomato, poultry and fish processing.
The engagements are linked to the RCC’s broader plan to develop an integrated agro-industrial and irrigation corridor that connects farming to irrigation, processing, manufacturing, storage, transportation and markets.
The region also explored opportunities for industrial and commercial infrastructure with Linyi Trade Company Limited, including the possible establishment of an industrial park and China Mall in the Upper East.
At the China Mall in Linyi, discussions focused on creating stronger business links between Ghanaian and Chinese traders and establishing exchange programmes to build the capacity of Ghanaian businesses.
Technology transfer also featured prominently.
At Lotus Palace, operated by Demora Company Ltd in Foshan, the delegation explored furniture technology and possible collaboration with Ghanaian businesses.
The Minister further engaged Chinese government and trade representatives on investment and institutional cooperation, seeking mechanisms to connect Chinese businesses with investment opportunities in the Upper East.
Fire safety technology was another area explored during engagements with fire safety officers in Hangzhou, where the delegation examined modern equipment and systems that could inform improvements in building fire safety in Ghana.
Mr Atanga said the region was looking beyond investment capital, stressing the need for technology transfer, skills development, modern production systems, irrigation expertise and manufacturing capacity.
The engagements come as the Upper East seeks to leverage its agricultural potential, irrigation infrastructure and strategic location to attract investment into productive sectors and create jobs.
The RCC expects the China mission to provide a basis for further negotiations with prospective investors as it works to convert the identified opportunities into concrete projects and partnerships under the PEARL Framework.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
