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Ghana is in the race to not only diversify its rich economy but to tap into its wealth of resources. With a growing middle-income population, there is a need for more Smart Solutions and sustainable trade partnerships.
Finland has a track record of innovative technologies and smart solutions in the globalization of the economy. It is therefore no surprise that Ghana is attracted to trading with such a brilliant counterpart.
This Trade and Cultural Forum is designed to give both Finnish and Ghanaian small and medium sized companies (SMEs) a realistic view on the various opportunities available in one of the fastest growing economies in Africa, Ghana.
There will be Business to Business meetings, Match-making opportunities, New Markets, Trade, Tourism and Services discussions with Finnish captains of industry.
Areas to be involved include:
- Wärtsilä - an industrial engineering giant,
- Outotech - mining industry;
- St1 and Fortum - oil & gas;
- Valmet - automotive manufacturing industry,
- Bittium ; (the company also has a strong medical technology wing).
- Forestry: UPM Kymmene (2nd: Stora Enso).
Additionally, Helsinki and Oulu business councils.
There is the possibility to explore research collaboration, possibly doctoral exchange programmes: hydrology and clean tech research, mining technology - university visits can be organised both/or within Oulu and Helsinki University/Aalto University of Helsinki. Aalto University could also be of interest to the visitors interested in fashion etc as it is the leading national university for fine arts and design.
Key sectors that would be very fruitful for matching interests
- clean technology: recycling technology, bio- and solar energy production/waste management.
- Water resources management/hydrology solutions.
- Medical technology. Forestry.
- Automotive solutions for manufacturing.
- Construction industry - one very lucrative idea could be to launch Scandinavian light structure construction models (which can be erected in the matter of weeks, very high quality, ultra-modern Nordic design) in Ghana.
- Aquaculture can also be a possibility, as well as agriculture - the value chain of Finland agricultural processes is very mechanized which could be of interest to Ghanaians.
Major retail industry players could well be interested in talking to Ghanaian companies about importing their products to Finland.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE TRIP
A highlight of the trip is the meeting with experts on using animal carcass and organic waste to generate electricity. (This we believe is crucial as Ghana produces tonnes of animal carcass and other organic refuse whose proper disposal is a challenge).