FRUITS OF SOUTH-SOUTH CO-OPERATION (APRIL 13, 2010)

THE decision by a leading Brazilian firm to invest in the Ghanaian economy is an encouraging piece of news, especially to the unemployed youth who stand to benefit from the venture.
The planned venture by the Dias Branco Group to open its only factory in Africa in Ghana, one of the outcomes of the visit of the Vice-President, Mr John Mahama, to Brazil, goes to enforce the growing reputation of the country as the gateway to Africa.
Indeed, the realisation of this dream will serve as a vital boost to the country’s economic and industrial fortunes to help improve the standard of living of Ghanaians.
When established, the factory is expected to provide about 1,000 jobs and thereby help ease the unemployment situation in the country.
One cannot dismiss the benefits that such a venture brings, especially as there are other perceived economic giants on the continent, some with larger populations and, therefore, should naturally have provided greater marketing appeal to the Brazilians.
Yet, as the country savours the prospect of playing host to the Dias Branco Group, it is important not to lose sight of the key indicators that positioned the country above the likes of Angola, which had originally been identified by the Brazilians.
More impressive, this initiative provides fresh impetus for South-South co-operation, now well referred to as South America-Africa Co-operation.
Indeed, over the years, the country has strengthened its collaboration with the West and also Asian countries such as China and Japan and this new partnership is expected to enhance further Ghana’s economic ties with one of the most important countries in South America.
The DAILY GRAPHIC wishes to commend the government for its efforts at ensuring that the country becomes the African face for the leading manufacturer of cookies, crackers and pasta products in Brazil.
As noted by the Chief Executive Officer of the company during the visit by the Vice-President, the company changed its original plan to invest in Angola because of the stable political and economic climate in Ghana, coupled with the good leadership style of President John Evans Atta Mills and Vice-President Mahama.
Time and again, the country’s good political and economic climate has been the incentive to both local and foreign investors and it is hoped that in consolidating its position as the premier investment destination on the continent, Ghanaians will work together to entrench those strong attributes.
It is also hoped that the country will serve as a worthy host and provide the kind of environment that will benefit both Ghana and Brazil
The Vice-President was emphatic in his declaration that the country would not only serve as a host but also a viable market centre from where the whole of the West African sub-region could benefit from the products of the Dias Branco Group of Companies.
Indeed, as Ghana hopes to serve as the nerve centre for market activities in the sub-region, it is important to harp on the fact that bottlenecks that hamper effective trade within the sub-region will have to be effectively dealt with.
With a market force of about 240 million people, the sub-region holds a huge potential for investors and irrelevant bureaucratic procedures and corrupt practices should not be allowed to hamper this potential.
The DAILY GRAPHIC also hopes that this will serve to drive greater collaboration not only between Ghana and Brazil but also between the country and other South American countries.
The global economic challenges call for a strong requirement for more of such collaborations and it is hoped that Ghanaians will hail such partnerships with a very positive attitude.