DAWA Explores Investment Opportunities for Pakistani Investors 

Dawa Industrial Zone in collaboration with the Pakistani High Commission in Ghana hosted a diplomatic missions’ investor dialogue themed "Investing in Africa – A Guide for the Pakistani Investor Community." The event, which took place on 19th October 2023, brought together distinguished dignitaries and prominent figures, both from Pakistan and Ghana, to shed light on investment policies and trade opportunities.

Additionally, the investor dialogue focused on enhancing trade, manufacturing, and access to the African market via the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) with Ghana at the heart of the conversation as the preferred investment destination, addressing concerns of trade chambers, the business community and potential investors looking to establish themselves in Ghana.

In attendance were the High Commissioner of the Pakistani Embassy to Ghana H.E. Farhat Ayesha, the Assistant Director at the Trade Development Authority of Pakistan (TDAP) Mr. Ali Mardan, The Deputy Chief Executive of the Ghana Free Zones Authority Mrs. Kate Abbeo, the Director of Investor Services at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre Mrs. Evelyn Nyarko, the Principal Trade Officer at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Mrs. Veronica Abagye and a host of other Pakistani business leaders in the manufacturing industry.

The event commenced with an address by H.E. Farhat Ayesha, who highlighted the robust and growing diplomatic and trade relations between Pakistan and Ghana. She emphasized the significance of collaboration between the two nations and the potential for mutual economic growth.

Mr. Ali TamKin, the Pakistan Trade Officer, delivered a comprehensive presentation on investment policies and trade opportunities in Pakistan. He showcased the advantages of investing in Pakistan and explored the potential benefits for Pakistani investors looking to expand their horizons.

The Managing Director of Dawa Industrial Zone presented on the DAWA ADVANTAGE emphasizing on the opportunities available to Pakistani investors who make DAWA their preferred manufacturing destination.

Mrs. Kate Abbeo (DCEO, Ghana Free Zones Authority) shared insights into the Free Zones and Investment Promotion incentives available in Ghana. They elaborated on the ease of doing business and the various sectors where Pakistani investors could thrive.

Mrs. Evelyn Nyarko (Deputy Director at the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre), discussed the benefits and support systems available to investors in Ghana, further illustrating why Ghana is an attractive investment destination. Again, during her presentation, she shared FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) statistics related to Pakistani investments registered with GIPC from 1994 to 2022. The data revealed that Pakistani investors had been involved in various sectors, including agriculture, manufacturing, services, and more.

Mrs Veronica Abagye in Ghana underscored the country's commitment to promoting trade and investment, both domestically and internationally. They shared valuable information about Ghana's trade and investment policies, creating a clear roadmap for potential investors.

The Diplomatic Mission and Embassy - Investor Dialogue (DME-ID) aimed at fostering collaboration, connecting the Pakistani investor community with trade partners in Ghana, and promoting investment in the West African Sub-region. It provided a vital platform for the business community, trade chambers, and country trade partners to ask questions, gather information, and make informed decisions about investing in Ghana and accessing the African market, especially with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) creating new opportunities.

This dialogue further demonstrated the commitment of both Ghana and Pakistan to strengthen economic ties and create an environment conducive to investments. It highlighted the enormous potential that exists for Pakistani investors in Ghana and throughout the West African Sub-region, further solidifying the belief that Ghana is indeed an attractive destination for investment.