QATAR Investment Authority (QIA) is exploring investment opportunities in energy, transportation, mining and agriculture sectors of Ghana, WTC Accra Managing Director and ICC Ghana Secretary General Doni-Kwame Emmanuel said on Tuesday.

A large QIA delegation visited Ghana last month to conduct feasibility studies of a few upcoming projects in these four main sectors, Emmanuel told Qatar Tribune on the sidelines of a meeting between a Ghanaian trade delegation and Qatar Chamber officials.

QIA officials showed keen interest in power projects planned to address Ghana's severe electricity crisis, he said, adding that an agreement in this regard will be signed soon.

Emmanuel said Ghana is seeking the expertise and investment of Qatar Airways to launch its own domestic airlines.

Talks are also going on with Qatar Airways for possible investment in Ghana's second international airport project, he said.

King of Asogli State Togbe Afede XIV, who led the Ghanaian delegation, said Ghana has high hopes from Qatar to monetise its recent oil discovery.

He said,"After making a major oil discovery in 2007, Ghana began production of crude oil in 2010. We seek the expertise of Qatar in commercialisation of our oil wealth."

"Qatar has developed its oil and gas sectors and it is the world's leading gas exporter now. As Ghana has huge reserves of oil and gas, we believe that the experience of Qatar could be useful to us," he said.

Afede, who is also the chairman of WTC Accra, said investment in gold can be very lucrative as the yellow metal has replaced cocoa as Ghana's primary export. Ghana needs to open more gold refineries to increase its export."This is the area where Qatari investors can play a big role," he said.

Citing the availability of vast tracts of fertile land, he urged Qatari investors to help Ghana modernise its agriculture sector and make use of it to ensure Qatar's food security. He also welcomed Qatari investment in Ghana's real estate sector which, he said, is booming in view of the oil reserves discovered in the country.

Qatar Chamber Vice-Chairman Mohammed bin Ahmed bin Tawar al Kuwari said Qatari businessmen are looking for investment in Ghana's mineral resources.

Ghana's reserves of bauxite could feed Qatar's aluminium industry, he said.