Investment to leverage economic crisis the best – Adriano Dulgher

The Managing Director & Founder of RAAD Industries, Adriano Dulgher, who is also a real estate entrepreneur, has urged Ghanaians to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the economic down turn.

Mr. Dulgher disclosed that, despite the economic downturn in Ghana, there are massive opportunities made available in such a period which must be seized for growth and development.

According to Mr. Dulgher, regardless of the negative impact on the financial market and business sector, the agriculture, health, housing and manufacturing sectors present huge opportunities that investors must take advantage of to expand their businesses.

Mr. Dulgher indicated that, Ghana is one of the best economies and investment destinations in Africa. The country has a positive business climate, political stability, relative good infrastructure, good governance and fertile lands for agriculture, he said.

“The potential for foreign investment, knowledge and long-term prosperity in Ghana is massive. This is often the case when the economy experiences a downturn, as it becomes more attractive and enticing for foreign investors to invest. This includes foreign outsourced investments, as well as investments from small entrepreneurs in the Ghanaian diaspora” Mr. Adriano Dulgher said.

Mr. Adriano Dulgher further communicated that, aside Ghana’s numerous investment opportunities; the country had a lot of tax breaks and holidays for investors. Hence, investors and entrepreneurs must explore such opportunities.

According to him, the country’s dependence on imports to meet it needs, presents opportunity to produce such items locally. Giving an example, he suggested that, sugar production was one area Ghanaian investors could tap in to expand their business portfolios.

“So, we see that an economic crisis is an opportunity for long-term industrialisation. Due to large imports, we see the opportunity of focusing on local manufacturing whereby you can grow long-term.

“So, there is a massive array of opportunity that comes in a recession, and if you do not look at the bad stuff and you focus on the positive, you will see the true potential of growth. You will see that you can create something, that is demanded in the country and it is an amazing opportunity.”

Assistance

Mr. Adriano Dulgher urged government to take advantage of its two million citizens in the diaspora to come and invest in the country. This could be achieved by awareness creation and selling the investment opportunities to the people in the diaspora, he said.

He urged the media to project positive stories about the Gha­naian economy, saying negative stories would not portend well for the country.

Touching on housing, Mr. Dulgher advised the private sector to lead the efforts to bridge the housing deficit in the country.

“The government should create the enabling environment for the private sector to harness and address the housing deficit estimated to be more than 1.6 million” he indicated.

“While sitting back for others to take advantage of the opportunities, why not harness on these opportunities ourselves?” he questioned.

“Even in difficult economic times there are opportunities to be found, and it is up to individuals to recognize and seize them. A downturn can create opportunities for foreign investment, as well as for local entrepreneurs and members of the diaspora to take advantage of these opportunities.”