Anurat Tiamtan, chairman of the Tipco Group of Companies, told Alhaji that his visit would lead to trade and business partnerships between Ghana and his food-processing company, which had a turnover of Bt12.4 billion in 2005.

"We learned that Ghana exports many fresh products to the European Community, including pineapple, which is our core product," said Anurat.

"Thailand is the world's largest exporter of pineapple products, accounting for nearly 45 per cent of the global market, and Tipco is one of the biggest canned pineapple producers in the Kingdom."

Mahama also met the management of One Tambon One Product (Otop), a state-owned enterprise, and struck a deal for Otop to import shea butter, cocoa and other products from Ghana.

Otop, which was established in 2001, is promoting the production of high quality handicrafts from rural communities as a means of expanding both domestic and international trade.

Mahama expressed surprise at the quality and meticulous production of local food and beverages, textiles and clothing, handicrafts and a variety of household and traditional items.

He said his government would send a number of Ghanaian artisans to Thailand to learn the techniques of adding value to local materials that often went to waste.

"We have come to learn from what you have achieved so far. I am really excited with what I have seen today. It is my hope that we can work together to bring prosperity to our people," he said.

Mahama asked Nana Kwadwo Seinti, Ghana's ambassador to Malaysia with responsibility for Thailand, and Dr Nathada Singsoonboon, Ghana's honorary consul in Thailand, to help nurture the desire of Thai entrepreneurs to invest in Ghana. Akwasi Ose-Adjei, Ghana's deputy foreign minister, asked Thai industries to use Ghana as the gateway to a huge untapped market in Africa.

On Wednesday, Ghana and Thailand agreed to establish a joint trade commission next month to boost the flow of business between them.

Ghana will also benefit from a scholarship package from Thailand in all academic disciplines.