Nestle@60: Gov't policies will enhance companies' competitiveness-Trade Minister

Trade and Industry Minister Alan Kyeremanten says government is putting in place a congenial policy environment that will enhance the competitiveness of companies in Ghana.

He said government will offer direct support in terms of providing access to medium and long term financing as well as technical support to companies.

Speaking at the 60th Anniversary Celebrations of Nestle Ghana Limited the minister said government will provide other incentives including marketing and distribution support to companies.

“What government is interested in is creating jobs. Whatever it takes to support a company for them to survive and create jobs is what we are interested in,” he said.

Nestle Ghana Ltd was established in 1957 as a Food Specialties Ltd and has over the past 60 years been committed to promoting nutrition, health and wellness of individuals and families in Ghana.

The company has over the years constructed a Central Distribution Centre, commissioned a waste water treatment plant, and milk plant as well as an Infant Cereal Plant- Cerelac.

The company currently has 1,300 employees who have been directly engaged.

The Minister of Trade Alan Kyeremanten was particularly impressed with Nestle’s commitment to its tax obligations to the state.

“They are paying taxes. My understanding is that they are the second best tax payer in Ghana. Government needs revenue to be able to support its projects,” he said.

He was also convinced that the policy initiatives introduced by government will encourage Ghanaians to patronize local products and services.

Managing Director of Nestle Ghana Ltd Mrs Freda Y Duplan said the company has survived primarily by creating shared values for both businesses and society.

“Nestle is driven by one purpose-enhancing the quality of life and contributing to a healthier future,” she said.

She touted the company’s religious commitment to sports which she said has become a lifestyle for fitness and wellness.

The company also supports education by being the main sponsor for the presidential Day Awards for the past eight years.

For a multinational company, Freda Duplan said their commitment to local agricultural sector has been encouraging.

“Through a partnership with the Ministry of Food and Agriculture from 2008 to 2016, Nestle trained more than 50,000 cereal farmers through the Northern Rural Growth programme, in partnership with the international Institute of Tropical Agriculture,” she indicated, adding, that the company has a long term commitment to the youth and employment in the country and this commitment is expressed by way of providing internship opportunities to prepare the youth for the world of work.

She said the company will continuously help in building the country’s nutrition as well as build a sustainable environment, rural development.

Mrs Duplan together with the Trade Minister unveiled a giant logo to mark the 60th Anniversary.

credit:myjoyonline.com