Dutch Companies To Develop Ghana Ports

A group of 30 companies in Netherlands will be visiting Ghana next week to explore mutual business opportunities.

During their visit, specific attention will be given to developments in the ports and logistics sector of the country.

Hans Docter, Netherlands Ambassador to Ghana, at a press briefing in Accra, said the sector is important to the development of Ghana's private sector and economy of the entire West African region.

He said the Netherlands has expertise in managing and developing ports, as well as optimizing related logistics.

Docter said the Netherland is the third biggest investor in Ghana, stating that they will not relent in their efforts to help grow the country's economy and create more jobs for the people.

'For the Embassy of Netherlands in Accra, strengthening our economic ties is a top priority. Economic diplomacy, support to Dutch companies, as well as promotion of opportunities for Ghanaian businesses in the Netherlands are core competencies of this embassy.'

The trade mission, organized together with the Netherlands Africa Business Council (NABC), provides a varied programme comprising a grand reception on board the Netherlands Navy ship HNLMS Rotterdam, business to business events, and a symposium.

The symposium will be organized by the port Development Partnership Africa-Netherlands (PDP).

Made up of 16 companies and knowledge institutes, the PDP aims to achieve a sustainable and long-term development of Africa's main ports and is dedicated to optimizing the environment, economic and public benefit of ports, including connected deltas, cities and hinterland.

The Netherlands Navy ship HNLMS Rotterdam will visit Ghana next week as part of the military exercise, 'African Winds 2013.'

The HNLMS Rotterdam will not only train African partners but also serve as a platform for high-level business events in West Africa's main ports, improving opportunities for African as well as Dutch businesses to boost prosperity in the region.

 By Cephas Larbi