The event, an initiative of the US-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Philadelphia, is meant to among other things help to deepen discussion and relationship with critical institutions that facilitate international business development and cooperation.

It has been modelled around the concepts such as the World Affairs Council, African Caribbean Business Council and World Trade Centre of Delaware.

The event comes at a time when Ghanaian businesses and trade institutions are seeking credible collaborations and partnerships to scale up in the wake of the challenging economic environment in the country occasioned by the twin global events of COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian/Ukraine war which have disturbed the foundations of many an economy including Ghana.

It is expected that, with Ghana successfully closing a deal with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to restore credibility, the summit and expo will create a unique platform for Ghanaian businesses and trade institutions to open new chapters with their American counterparts.

Activities

The President of the US-Ghana Chamber of Commerce, Florence TorsonHart, told the Daily Graphic from her base in Philadelphia that as part of the event which is fast developing into one of the most sought-after for Ghanaian businesses, there will be a meeting with Lancaster Chamber of Commerce members to provide a unique opportunity for further business-to-business (B2B) and private business discussions.

There will also be company investment pitches which will include a meeting at Millersville University; a tour of manufacturing companies; a visit to Hershey Park; tabletop exhibition; and a special meeting with the Governor.

On Thursday, September 14, there will be an all day exhibition in Philadelphia, while at the same time, individual and institutional meetings; B2B matching; and B2G activities have been scheduled.

Others will be a meeting with World Trade Centre (WTC) of Delaware businesses, tabletop exhibition; company investment pitches; cultural day and the unveiling of Diasporan/Ghanaian Store at Shoprite.

Partnerships

Ms TorsonHart said “Last year’s major partners included US Commercial Service, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of International Business Development, Ghana Embassy in DC, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.”

Ms TorsonHart said GEPA sponsored exhibitors to last year’s event which resulted in “a massive distribution opportunity with Brown’s ShopRite in the US which includes 15 ShopRite stores”.

We are in discussions with GEPA to facilitate and finalise this opportunity,” she added.

This year, she revealed that the World Trade Centre of Delaware, Lancaster Chamber of Commerce and Temple University’s Fox Business School have joined the partnership.

Expectations

As an added toast to the event, she said the chamber was planning to unveil the ShopRite /Ghana Market.

Again, Ms TorsonHart said work was ongoing to finalise some of the business deals under consideration, increase the number of US companies on board as well as offer Ghanaian companies opportunities to scale businesses.

Another crucial aspect will be how to identify funding resources for companies, particularly those interested in growing but with specific interests in agriculture, real estate, trade, energy, logistics and Fintech. 

Takeaways

She said the event would also provide a platform for discussion, orientation and education of business opportunities in Ghana.

Ms TorsonHart said the turnaround point after all, will provide opportunities for market expansion, ability to scale business, new lead generation, and identify resources including technological solutions and funding.