The IPR´s central message was that encouraging existing investors to expand and reinvest in Ghana´s economy should be the main pillar of foreign direct investment (FDI) strategy in the immediate future. Ghana´s strengths in terms of attracting FDI lie mainly in natural resources. Yet there was also potential to encourage wider investment in non-traditional sectors such as resource-based agro-processed and agricultural products, and in light manufacturing for local and regional markets. Attracting investment in these areas would require concentrated efforts that include:
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Improving the investment framework with modifications to the investment code, taxation, and land, labour and competition policies.
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Strengthening the regulatory framework and institutions dealing with infrastructure development and privatization.
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Launching a booster programme to revive the activities of established investors, both foreign and domestic.
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Strengthening the Gateway strategy and linking it to attracting FDI.
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Building clusters by promoting linkages with small and medium-size enterprises.
Since the IPR was published, UNCTAD has assisted the Government in the following ways. It:
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advised on amending the foreign investment law;
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reviewed and provided the Government with comments and advice on its new model bilateral investment treaty (BIT);
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set up an investment information portal that includes information related to the investment environment and business opportunities (i-Track);
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produced a Blue Book on Best Practice in Investment Promotion and Facilitation;
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asssisted the investment promotion agency in establishing one stop shops to facilitate investors (with funding from ProInvest);
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held a workshop on best practices in investment promotion and facilitation;
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carried out an investment promotion training programme for diplomats;
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assisted in establishing a partnership between the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre and the China-Africa Business Council, which led to the "Ghana-China B2B event: Invest in Ghana";
