This follows the launch of the
National African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Policy Framework and
Action Plan
A Team from the National African
Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA) Coordination Office led by the National
Coordinator, Dr Fareed Kwesi Arthur, paid a courtesy call on the chief executive
of the Ghana Exim Bank (GEXIM), Lawrence Agyinsam.
This follows the launch of the
National AfCFTA Policy Framework and Action Plan on last Tuesday (2 August
2022) in Accra which outlines interventions, geared towards the harmonisation
of existing laws, programmes, policies, and regulations to boost Ghana’s trade
with Africa under the AfCFTA.
Lawrence Agyinsam reiterated the Bank’s commitment
to supporting the Government of Ghana’s quest to reposition the Ghanaian
economy to become an export led one and continue to serve as a catalyst in the
development of Ghana’s export trade, facilitate cross border trade and make
Ghana a pillar in regional and continental trade.
He further proposed a strategic
partnership between the Bank and National AfCFTA Coordination Office to see an
increase in Ghanaian exports into the African continent.
“To facilitate the transformation of
Ghana’s economy into an export one by supporting and developing trade between
Ghana and other countries, we have over the years introduced several
interventions across various sectors. We have provided funds for several
companies with the intention to export to other African countries. It is
important for us to work closely to assist Ghanaian businesses to export significantly
into the African continent”, he added.
Dr. Fareed Kwesi Arthur on his part
highlighted the mandate of the National AfCFTA Coordination Office, established
in March 2020 under the Ministry of Trade and Industry as a central point for
coordinating the Government of Ghana’s policy and strategic response to the
Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Agreement.
According to him, “the NCO is the
liaison office between the Ministry of Trade and Industry and other
stakeholders in Ghana and the AfCFTA Secretariat to ensure Ghanaian businesses
harness the full benefit of AfCFTA. For this reason, we welcome the call for
building a strategic partnership between Ghana Exim Bank and the National
AfCFTA Coordination Office”.
Other members of the GEXIM team at the
meeting were Nana Akyaa Obeng-Adiyiah, Deputy Chief Executive Officer
responsible for Finance and Administration, Michael Tetteh-Voetagbe, General
Manager, Human Resources and Administration, Bright Evans Darko, Head, SME
Baking, Frank Obeng, Assistant General Manager, Advisory Services, Judith
Aikins, Head, Export Trade, Jonathan Christopher Koney, Assistant Manager,
Corporate Affairs and International Cooperation and Grace Anderson, Snr.
Officer, CEO’s Secretariat.
Catherine Afeku, head of Strategic Communications and Dr
Jacob Gyamfi, Senior Advisor, Capacity Building, National AfCFTA Coordination
Office accompanied Dr. Fareed Kwesi Arthur.
Source: Asaase Radio