Alhaji Mohammed Habib Tijani, Ghana’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, has asked businesses in the oil-rich country to take advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to invest in Ghana.
Trying to convince Saudi businesses to come and investment in the country, Alhaji Tijani believes the peaceful business environment in Ghana makes it the number one investment destination in the Sub-Saharan Africa.
“Ghana is a safe and profitable destination for doing business in Africa, and that taking up opportunities would ensure the mutual benefit of the investors and the host country.”
Alhaji Mohammed Habib
At a meeting with the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), Sultan bin Abdul Rahman Al-Marshad, the Ambassador wooed investors of the oil rich Kingdom to make use of opportunities presented by African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
At the meeting, Alhaji Tijani briefed the CEO on investment opportunities in Ghana with particular reference to various government flagship programmes such as: the One Village One Dam (1V1D), One District One Factory (1D1F), and the Planting for Food and Jobs (PFJ).
Alhaji Tijani explained that the initiatives were introduced to ensure all-year-round access to water by farmers, tackle youth unemployment, achieve food security and add value to Ghana’s export through agro-processing.
Ahaji Tijani further spoke of other investment opportunities in the country and also the opportunities that the programmes offered. He thus, requested the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) to encourage Saudi investors and businesses to invest in the government flagship programmes.
In addition, the Ambassador told Sultan Al-Marshad that in due course, the Government of Ghana would submit proposals on the programmes for consideration and possible bilateral investment opportunities.
Ahaji Tijani acknowledged the immense contributions of the Saudi Fund for Development to the Ghanaian economy since the early 1980s. He mentioned notable projects such as: the Northern Electrification Programme, the Tetteh Quarshie-Mamfe Road Project, and a recent loan granted for projects at the Korle Bu and Bolgatanga hospitals.
However, the CEO, on his part, said Saudi Arabia is one of the top producers of agriculture inputs. He therefore, reiterated his commitment of his country to helping Ghana achieve some of its flagship programmes.
“Saudi Arabia is a major producer of high-quality fertilizers. Therefore, the Saudi Exim Bank could be engaged to make arrangements with the Saudi Arabian Basic Industries Corporation (SABIC) to provide fertilizers to Ghanaian farmers at competitive prices under the PFJ.”
Mr Sultan Al-Marshad
Mr Sultan Al-Marshad also requested Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in Ghana to submit proposals to the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) for consideration in the areas of trade and investments.
He further lauded the government of Ghana for maintaining the peaceful bilateral agreement between the two countries. Also, he hailed the government of Ghana for its role in ensuring peaceful coexistence between muslims and christians in the country.
Meanwhile, this fruitful discussion is expected to deepen the bilateral relationship between the two countries and create more jobs for the youth.
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