Using the web for effective investment Promotion Presentation by: Ghana Investment Promotion Centre

1. Using the web for effective investment Promotion Presentation by: Ghana Investment Promotion Centre November 30, 2010 IFC-ProInvest Training Workshop Dakar, Senegal

2. Contents 1.0 Introduction 2.0 GIPC Website Goals • Online support throughout the investment process • Online facilitation • Case Study – Successful Website Enquiry Lead 3.0 Conclusion

3. 1. 1.0 Introduction Date Launched: 13th June 2007 URL: www.investinghana.org (alias www.gipcghana.com, www.gipc.org.gh) GIPC (Ghana Investment Promotion Centre) Current Language: English Average Monthly Online Enquiries: 98 Successful server requests since launch 11,493,353 • 2010 – 2,195,813 (19.10%) • 2009 – 4,359,651 ( 37.93%) • 2008 - 3,810,360 (33.16% ) • 2007- 1,127,529 (9.81%) Source: Hostway Inc. ( November 2010)

4. 1.1 Methodology Used

5. 1.2 Project Plan • Pre-Development Activities • Confirmation of Website Development Committee • Formalization of contract • Contents review and audit of existing website ( MIGA IPAworks) • Content Requirements • Identify all contents and sources of contents • Content collection and conversion to reflect objectives and make most impact • Website Development • Layout theme designs • Webpage development and programming • Database development • Integration and Testing • Segments integration • Extensive functionality and usability testing of entire website • Upload and Configuration • Upload new website onto web server • Configuration and testing • Post Implementation • Training of website managers on Content Management System (CMS) • Website Promotion, search engine optimization, submission to major search engines and online directories • Website Launch • Post development support • Periodic reviews

6. 2.0 Goals Of the GIPC Website

7. 2.1 Online Support Through The Investment Process Menu selection follows logical sequence for conducting online research on investment location

8. 2.1 Online Support Through The Investment Process About GIPC • Objectives and Functions • Annual Performance Reports

9. 2.1 Online Support Through The Investment Process Our Services • Investment Facilitation • Monitoring and Evaluation • Investment Procedures • Cost Of Doing Business in Ghana • Investment Environment • Infrastructure

10. 2.1 Online Support Through The Investment Process Why Ghana • Unique blend of advantages to potential investors • Profile Of Ghana • Start Up Procedure • Infrastructure • Investment Incentives, Benefits and Guarantees

11. 2.1 Online Support Through The Investment Process • Cotton & Textiles • Agro Processing • Cash Crops • Ethnic Beauty Products • Floriculture • Financial Services • Fine and Custom Jewellery • Transport Services • Seafood Processing • Property Development • Tourism • Ceramics • Furniture and Wood Processing • ICT/Electronics • Apparel • Hand Tools Investment Opportunities

12. 2.1 Online Support Through The Investment Process Potential Partners Land Bank • Filtered by regional Location • Land suitability • Terms of offer (JV, sale, lease, rental) • Filtered by 19 priority Sectors • Type of Cooperation • Keyword search capability

13. 2.1 Online Support Through The Investment Process Useful Information • Investment Questions and Answers • Document Library • Useful Links • News & Events

14. 2.2 Issues On Hand

15. 2.3 Online Facilitation Online Application processing • Investment Project Registration • Technology Transfer Registration • Conference Registration

16. 2.3 Online Facilitation Online Tax Exemption Processing Link • GCNet Import Tax Exemption Processing Link

17. 2.4 Issues On Hand

18. 2.5 Case Study-a successful website enquiry lead • 02/01/2010 - First Correspondence via Website enquiry • Potential Investor expressed interest in investing in the Property Development sector • He sought clarification on issuance of work permit for expatriate staff • The relevant additional information was provided by the GIPC sector officer • 01/04/2010 – He proposes US$500,000 investment in Const. & Civil Engineering works in Ghana in email correspondence with sector officer • additional clarification on incentives for real estates sector was subsequently provided Website Enquiry Lead

19. 2.5 Case Study - a successful website enquiry lead • 14/05/2010 - Incorporated a Limited Liability Co. with the Registrar of companies • 21/05- 04/06/2010 – Opened a Bank Account and Transferred foreign equity amount of US$50,200 • 13/07/2010 - Reg. a Wholly Foreign Owned Investment Project with GIPC • 01/05/2010 – Land/Site Acquired • 30/08/2010 - Was assisted by GIPC relationship officer to obtain resident permit for its expatriate staff • Initial employment 25 (23-G,2-NG) • Proposes to construct/service 5,000 properties per annum Registered Investment project

20. 3.0 Conclusion Taking a cue from Louis T. Wells - Preface to FIAS GIPB 2009 IPI Performance Result “Promotion efforts will, however, fail to attract desired investment if IPIs are not skilled at the most basic function: collecting and providing to potential investors relevant and timely information. “ It is necessary to: • Enhance Promotional Effectiveness of IPIs Website • Provide relevant and timely information to assist with the investment decision making process • Turning general awareness and perceptions into enquiries and investment project leads from potential investors • Harness Online resources to facilitate timely and cost effective service delivery to Investors • Integrate IPIs website with Investor Tracking Systems to assure expeditious follow-up to enquiries