Ghana takes indigenous organic products to Middle East

Ghana has made its maiden appearance at the Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo (MENOPE), which opened last Monday and ends today in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates.

Twelve companies from the country, mainly from natural, organic, and agro-based backgrounds, are showcasing their products in the expo. Ghanaian products on display at the fair include shea butter, dry fruits, coconut oil, moringa tea, hibiscus tea, natural cocoa powder and honey.

MENOPE is held every year in one of the Middle East countries and this year marks the 13th of the series of the annual events, which offer a unique platform for global businesses in the organic sector to enter the region’s fast growing organic, natural, and eco-friendly markets.

Over 4,000 visitors are expected at the expo, which will feature more than 120 companies, including 75 international exhibitors.

Ghana’s theme

The theme for Ghana’s participation at the fair is: ‘Promoting Quality Products to Maximise Market Opportunities.’ The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), which is required to develop and promote the country's non-traditional exports (NTEs), is spearheading the participation of local businesses at the event.

A Principal Export Development Officer of the authority, Ms Gifty Otoo, said Ghana’s participation was basically to seek long-term business opportunities and partnership for the indigenous businesses.

She advised the participants to keep a daily diary of their activities and business contacts to aid in future follow-ups.

“The main focus here is not to sell but for follow-up orders in the future. It is important that as exporters, you keep a record of your activities because that is the only way we can tell the impact of your activities on NTEs,” she said. 

Currently, trade volumes between Ghana and the UAE are reported around US$2.5 billion, with plans underway to increase it to US$5 billion in the next few years.

The Consul General of Ghana to the United Arab Emirates, Mr Daniel Osei, said at the opening of the exhibition that trade relations between the two countries were encouraging.

He urged Ghanaian businesses to endeavour to position themselves well to attract the necessary investors.

‘’People often have ideas but lack skills to make them presentable. It is important that as entrepreneurs you formalise your ideas so they can become good pitches with the potential investor,’’ he stated.