Northern Trade Industry and Investment Summit launch its 2nd Edition in Tamale

The second edition of the Northern Trade Industry and Investment Summit (NTIIS), has been launched in Tamale, the Northern Regional capital.

The four day event is under the theme: “Enhancing trade and industry in Northern Ghana through capacity development and strategic investment.”

The Centre for Policy Development (CPD) is the organizer of the summit, in collaboration with University for Development Studies, Northern Development Authority, Ghana Enterprises Agency, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Freezones Authority, Ghana Revenue Authority, Ghana Investment Promotion Center, Ghana Tourism Authority and the Northern Regional Coordinating Council.

The objective of the summit is to identify and empower private sector for capacity building, production expansion, export and industry promotion and value addition to non-traditional export products.

It also aims to accelerate economic development, attract investment and creating employment and improving the livelihood of people in northern Ghana.

The Speaker of Parliament Hon. Alban Sumana Kingsford Bagbin, who performed the launch, described the initiative as a visionary one. He thereby called on the creators to stay steadfast.

According to Speaker Bagbin, the summit should serve as a tool to unlocking opportunities in the region and beyond.

Mr Bagbin also called on the people of the north to strive for development in order to bridge the gap between the north and south.

He further called for unity before, during and after the December polls.

The Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Enterprises Agency, K.B. Asante speaking on behalf of the CEO, Kosi Yankey-Ayeh called for more women participation in entrepreneurship, adding that “GEA’s doors are open to support women in this endeavor. “

He said the agency has over 200 offices across the country where individuals can visit for collaboration, especially women in entrepreneurship.

The Northern Regional Director of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Angelo Dogbe, called for collaboration to unlock the tourism potential of the region.

He mentioned the Sakpli slave site in Savulugu, the natural cultural heritage at the palace of the Overlord in Yendi, the Buntanga irrigation dam in Kumbungu, the vibrant smock weaving centers in Gusheigu among others as some of the untapped tourism destinations in the region that can be boosted for economic and social benefits.

Speaking on the sidelines of the event, the Executive Director of the Center for Policy Development (CPD), Ismael Yahuza called on entrepreneurs in the northern sector to take advantage of the summit to market their businesses and also network with other stakeholders and share ideas in order to enhance their businesses.

He said this year’s summit is focus on building on the successes of last year’s, so as to have a better business industry in the northern sector.

Ishmael Yahuza admonished people in and outside the metropolis to patronize the wares displayed by various businesses, reiterating the need to network, learn and share business ideas and improve on them.

Story By: Alhassan Imoro |www.diamondfmonline.com |Ghana