The Executive Chairman of JL Properties Limited, Dr James Ato Condua Orleans-Lindsay, has urged investors from The Netherlands to explore investment opportunities available in Ghana.
According to him, Ghana presents the best investment prospects in Africa, considering the enviable endowment of natural resources, including land, minerals and humans.
Dr Orleans-Lindsay made this call when he was speaking as the Guest Speaker at The Netherlands – Ghana Business and Tourism Expo Innovative Business and Tourism Partnership at Koorenhuis Prinsegarcht 27 in the Netherlands on the topic of the topic – ‘Investment Opportunities Between Ghana and The Netherlands’
“I want to use this opportunity to encourage the Dutch investors to explore the investors prospects that have been highlighted today,” the Executive Chairman of JL Properties said.
“It is my hope that by the time we leave here, communications, actions and plans will have been advanced towards the realization of mutual benefits of this bilateral relationship between our great nations,” Dr Orleans-Lindsay urged.
Evolution from aid to trade
Dr. Orleans-Lindsay, Exec. Chairman, JL Properties Limited while touching on the topic ‘Investment Opportunities Between Ghana and The Netherlands’ acknowledged the cordial relationship between the two countries on trade.
“Ghana and Netherlands have continued to maintain a relationship that has evolved from aid to trade and more pronounced at the time Ghana initiated the agender “Ghana Beyond Aid’, Dr Orleans-Lindsay stated.
He added that Ghana and the Netherlands have held a long-lasting bilateral relationship and the relationship has been noted by the history of high cooperation and economic diplomacy
“This occasion has afforded us yet another great opportunity to work towards the realization of the full potential of the bilateral relationship between the two countries,” he noted.
Investment opportunities
Dr. Orleans-Lindsay prior to highlighting the bilateral investment opportunities between the two countries said “Ghana and the Netherlands have worked hard to strengthen their economic ties, to create vast opportunities in various sectors.”
“Both countries have engaged in dialogues and agreements to enhance economic and trade relations, including initiatives supported by the Dutch embassy and the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO),” he explained.
Touching on the highlights of bilateral investment opportunities he said, “Ghana has increasingly become attractive to bilateral investment due to some good reasons and attributed the country’s strategic location, Good governance, Economic growth and favourable investment climate” as some of the reasons.
On the numerous bilateral investment opportunities in Ghana, he said, Agriculture and Agribusiness are key examples.
Dr Orleans – Lindsay said Cassava and maize for example have approximately (a global value of $ 179 billion and $300 billion respectively while Rice, Soya beans, groundnut/peanut, Cocoa and Yam have also great values.
He also added that Water Management and Flood control is another key component of bilateral investment opportunities.
“The Netherlands is recognized as the global leader in water management and flood control because more than a quarter of its land is below sea level.
“As noted, the Netherlands has developed an enviable technology in land reclamation and flood control,” he explained.
On infrastructure development, the Executive Chairman of JL Properties also identified Housing and real estate as a key element.
“Ghana has a huge housing deficit estimated at 2 million units, and “This presents huge investment prospects,” he intimated.
Technology
Dr Orleans – Lindsay in his advocacy also pointed to leveraging technology on water management as a key component of strengthening bilateral investment opportunities.
“This technology would be of enormous importance to Ghana in managing the perennial floods in Ghana.
“It would also be of the essence to reclaim wetlands and wastelands to save the environment.
“Therefore, this Technology in flood control and water management technology presents a strategic investment opportunity in Ghana,” he identified.
Stable democracy
The Executive Chairman in urging investors said they ought to embrace opportunities in Ghana because of “Stable democracy and rule of Law.”
He said since 1992, “Ghana achieved a stable democracy and uninterrupted democratic rule and the Global Peace Index ranks Ghana as the second most peaceful country in West Africa.”
Dr Orleans-Lindsay also said strategic location and accessibility are assured of investors who intend to take up investment opportunities in Ghana.
“Geographically, Ghana’s location is placed closer to the centre of the earth than any country. With an average flying time of 8 hours to Europe and America. Ghana can boast of a world-class airport that is recognized as the best in Africa. It can serve 2 to 5 million passengers per year,” Dr Orleans-Lindsay said.
He also pointed out that access to the largest domestic and regional Market are also reasons investors have to take up opportunities in Ghana.
“More than 16 million Ghanaians dwell in urban centres which estimates Ghana’s retail market to a value of $35 billion.
“Also, Ghana currently hosts the Secretariat of African Continental Free Trade Area which is the largest trade bloc in the world in terms of participating countries, connecting 55 countries and 1.3billion people, he added.
Friendly environment
The Executive Chairman said, “Ghana has simplified the business registration process, making it easier for entrepreneurs and companies to start and operate business.
“Ghana is the second most appealing destination for investment in Africa(Deloitte 2022 Africa Investment Attractiveness Index).
Touching on Continuous reforms, Dr Orleans-Lindsay said, “The country is undergoing significant reforms to digitize its economy which is expected to boost efficiency and productivity.”
