Italy announces €25m for SMEs in Ghana

Paolo Gentiloni [L] in a handshake with Vice President Bawumia in Accra[/caption]Italian Prime Minister Paolo Gentiloni has announced a 25 million-euro support for the development of Small-scale and Medium Enterprises in Ghana to enable them create jobs for the people. Mr. Gentiloni who arrived in Accra Tuesday for a two-day visit of Ghana announced this when he paid a courtesy call on President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at the Flagstaff House. “We are very interested in developing the small-scale, medium companies in [the] Ghanaian economy,” the said, stating that the 25 million-euro should be channelled through the acquisition of machinery for SMEs in Ghana. The Prime Minister said Italy has in the last 15 years invested a total of 7 billion euros in the Ghanaian economy, saying, “We are very proud what Italy has done in Ghana”. He said Italy’s support has primarily been in the area of gas and renewable energy, which he said, are very important in developing countries, but said it extends beyond to other sectors of the Ghanaian economy. Italy, the Prime Minister said, has always contributed to the development of Ghana, stating President Akufo-Addo was right when he said that some of the various important infrastructures were done by Italy. The Prime Minister said at the next EU summit, the future of the youth would be discussed, adding, “We are particularly proud of the role Ghana has played in contributing to the decision of the youth”. “The development of the skills of the youth is very important; it will help in preventing migration,” Mr Gentiloni said. The Prime Minister has meanwhile lauded Ghana for its strong democracy and stability, which he said, has made the West African nation an example to the African continent. “The stability and democracy that Ghana has is an example to the whole African continent. The economic relationship between the two countries [Ghana and Italy] is very positive,” he observed. Stability, democracy and other good things, he said, make a good country. He said 2017 marked 60 years of diplomatic relationship between Ghana and Italy, something he observed, was very important happening. He commended President Akufo-Addo for the warm reception given him. By Stephen Kwabena Effah|3news.com|Ghana Follow @steviekgh_TV3 ]]>