Chinese delegation explores business opportunities in Kumasi

A high-powered Chinese delegation from the Wenzhou Province, on Saturday conferred with the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly (KMA) to explore business opportunities for the mutual benefit of the two countries.

The team, led by Mr. Xie Shuhua, the Vice Chairman of Chinese Peopleâ??s Political Consultant Conference â?? Wenzhou Committee     with technocrats, business magnates, scientists, and representatives of companies of varied mission statements, were in Kumasi to identify strategic areas of the local economy worthy of investment.

Hon. Osei Assibey Antwi, the Metropolitan Chief Executive (MCE), addressing the delegation, indicated that, the current government had taken proactive steps to create and foster an investor-friendly environment.

â??Our agenda is to liaise effectively with sister countries and harness the potentials inherent in all sectors of the economy in order to bring prosperity to Ghanaiansâ??, he emphasized.

Hon. Assibey Antwi said Kumasi was strategically placed for investment, in terms of its geographical location, socio-cultural diversity, small-scale business opportunities and the booming transport industry.

It is estimated that more than 10, 000 vehicles commute the city daily.

â??The KMA is of the firm belief that foreign companies who decide, for instance, to mobilize resources in developing the housing, tourism, waste management and woodwork-related sectors, will also not run at a lossâ??, the MCE noted.

Citing the Sokoban Wood Enclave as another area of business interest, he explained to the Chinese delegation as to how they could take advantage of the enormous dust generated in the area for recycling purposes.

In addition, the KMA would also welcome any initiative by Chinese companies to develop the plastic industry, as well as shoe-making and housing sectors.

Hon. Assibey Antwi urged the team to consider coming on board for work to start on the Assemblyâ??s proposed multi-storey car park at Adum, in order to help decongest the Central Business District.

Hon. Shuhua, in response to proposals made by the MCE, said they were impressed with the huge business potentials which abound in the city.

â??The Wenzhou Province will work further with Kumasi to strengthening socio-economic ties to enhance living conditions of the peopleâ??, he stated.

He took the opportunity to congratulate the MCE on his appointment, and hoped that his tenure of office would bring accelerated development to create jobs and alleviate poverty amongst the residents.           

It will be recalled that the Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly and the Wenzhou Province in China signed a Sister â??City relationship agreement last year.