Ghanaian exporters prospect for markets in Middle East

Ghana made its maiden appearance at this year’s Middle East Natural and Organic Products Expo (MENOPE) in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with 12 Ghanaian companies participating under the auspices of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA).

The GEPA, under the Ministry of Trade and Industry (MOTI), is responsible for promoting non-traditional exports (NTEs). It does this through various means, including attending fairs and organising solo exhibitions of made-in-Ghana products in targeted markets.

The Ghanaian companies showcased products such as shea butter, dry fruits, coconut oil, moringa tea, hibiscus tea, natural cocoa powder and honey.

The expo, which was held at the Dubai International Convention and Exhibition Centre from November 2 - 4, 2015,   provided a platform for organic and natural products companies worldwide, and also offered global companies, including those from Ghana, the chance to prospect the Middle East market.

Beauty care and lifestyle products, aromatherapy (treatment using plant oils), essential oils, yoga and other life rejuvenators were part of MENOPE, organised by Global Links Dubai LLC and endorsed by the Ministry of Environment and Water, UAE.

More than 4000 visitors, including importers, exporters, distributors, retailers, business groups, manufacturers, consultants and franchisees, and institutions visited the expo which featured more than 120 companies, including 75 international exhibitors.

Exhibitors’ assessment

Some exhibitors who spoke to GRAPHIC BUSINESS expressed satisfaction at the reception to the Ghanaian natural and organic products.

The Chief Executive Officer of Solution Oasis, manufactures of premium natural beauty care products from exotic African butters, oils and herbs, Francesca Brenda Opoku, said the fact that the expo was an industry specific one made it easier to get the targeted people.

“Everything has been smooth, though we were scared of serious cultural barriers. Many people have shown interest and a few people have asked for their own brands, showing preference in terms of their packaging. This is an exciting market with high prospects and a lot depends on what we do after here,” she said.

Ms Akua Sarpong, the Managing Director of All Natural Products Limited (producers of crunchy coconut chips, ginger chips and natural peanut, said: “It is not enough to say you are natural or organic but we need to work hard to get certification if we want to go forward.”

She commended the GEPA for a successful planning, especially logistically.

The Managing Director of BrownGold Company Ltd, makers of shea butter and groundnut products, Ms Ayishetu Alhassan, said although it was the first time the company had participated in an international fair, the prospects looked promising.

“I’m making headway as pharmaceuticals and cosmetics are expressing interest in being agents and distributors. I hope to be able to secure some contacts,” she said.

EDAIF on Packaging

A Board Member of the Export Development, Agriculture and Investment Fund (EDAIF), Captain Retd Robert Tindana, said Ghanaian businesses were generally doing well in terms packaging of their products but they still needed to learn from others. 

“A little bit of improvement on packaging to meet standards will augur well for our local businesses. Anything related to the promotion of exports is part of our mandate and that is why we are here, so anyone who wants to go into this kind of thing is entitled to a grant, not even credit, because it’s just to promote the packaging of a product,” he said.

On access to credit, he said it was unfortunate that some entrepreneurs did not know the processes and the avenues through which they could access credit.

“It can be troubling and by the time you want to get into it, you become frustrated. So what we do, and as you may know by our mandate, we try as much as possible to spread into all the 10 regions of Ghana so people who are engaged in export go there and process their application,” he said.

Captain Retd Tindana said with the establishment of the Ghana Export-Import (EXIM) Bank, hopefully next year, the credit basket would improve.

“There will be enough in the basket to give out to the export community and it will also ensure access to long-term funding,” he said.