In addition to the English Language, the website employs Chinese (both simplified and traditional), French, German, Italian, Portuguese and Spanish as its medium of communication. This, according to the Board, would enable GFZB to reach out to customers and potential ones in more than one language.
Acting Executive Secretary of GFZB, Mr. Kwadwo Twum Boafo, made these disclosures at a news conference by the Board in Accra as part of its 15th Anniversary Celebrations.
Explaining the features of the web portal, Mr. Boafo said the site provides comprehensive information on the GFZB?s concepts and highlights investment opportunities, downloadable application forms online; and allowing prospective investors to apply online. Besides, it is an effective means of tracking the status of their applications.
Additionally, the web portal is marketing oriented and focuses on the investor and business community needs which will sell Ghana as a preferred investment destination. It also has a search engine that enables users search for items and informs visitors of the site facilities available at the Free Zone enclaves.
Other features are, allowing the Free Zone Companies to submit their quarterly returns online to automate data entry and eliminate errors, providing means of tracking web portal visit, and submitting enquiries and feedback for follow up purposes.
Furthermore, all circulars from the Board to the Free Zone Enterprises shall be made available online and could be accessed through the web portal. The cumulative effect of these facilities is that it allows the GFZB to provide its clients with a convenient, secure and easy to use Portal e-Services platform for conducting a large chunk of their business transactions.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Hannah Tetteh, described the GFZB scheme as significant, contributing to job creation, employment, revenue generation. It has also boosted industrial activities and therefore should be encouraged, strengthened and sustained.
She disclosed that the Free Zones enterprises have employed over 29,000 Ghanaians in 208 companies.
"The idea of setting up a free zone or economic port was to attract manufacturing and processing export businesses to operate in a cost-effective way for socio-economic development. A free economic zone or free port was a designated area where companies received relaxed customs, immigration, and visa and taxation jurisdiction with the aim of encouraging development," she explained.
Ms Tetteh, however, called for a review of the Free Zones Act to enhance its effectiveness.
Mr. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, a Deputy Minister of Information, noted that Ghana's democratic credentials, as demonstrated in respect for the rule of law and human rights, friendly and conducive business environment, and abundant natural resources were among factors that had contributed towards attracting foreign investment.
Alhaji Amadu Sorogho, Chairman of the Parliamentary Select Committee on Trade, Industry and Tourism, announced that the Committee members would pay a working visit to the Tema Export Processing Zones to acquaint themselves with activities of companies operating at the enclave when Parliament reconvened.
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Quelle/Source: Middle East North Africa Financial Network, 23.08.2011
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