Last Tuesday, June 6, 2023, there was a significant gathering of government officials, business leaders, and trade experts at the first leg of the Caribbean-West Africa Trade mission to Ghana.
Hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export), the mission aimed to foster collaboration and explore emerging areas for trade and investment opportunities between Ghana and the Caribbean.
The opening session welcomed the Hon. Stephen Amoah, the Deputy Minister of Trade from the Government of Ghana, who delivered remarks, expressing the government’s commitment to fostering trade relations with the Caribbean.
Benjamin Dzoboku, Managing Director of Republic Bank Ghana PLC, and Mr. Gerald Nsomba, Specialist Trade, and Corporate Finance with AfriExim Bank, also shared their perspectives on the significance of the Ghana-Caribbean partnership and their efforts to support SME development along with trade and business opportunities between the regions.
The signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) took place between Caribbean Export and prominent Ghanaian organizations, including the Private Enterprise Federation, Ghana Union of Traders Association, and Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI).
These MoUs aim to foster closer collaboration and enhance trade relations between the Caribbean and Ghana, exploring potential partnerships for joint activities and facilitate businesses in key sectors such as renewable energy, agriculture technology and ICT.
Mr. Deodat Maharaj, Executive Director of Caribbean Export, speaking at the event emphasized the importance of forging strong partnerships and highlighted the potential for economic growth through collaboration between Ghana and the Caribbean.
“The decision to mount this mission to Ghana was in line with Barbados’ commitment to strengthen its bilateral relationship with Ghana and the continent of Africa, particularly in relation to the green and orange economies,” he shared.
Furthermore, Hon Ginger Moxey, Minister for Grand Bahama from the Government of the Bahamas, and Hon. Sandra Husbands, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Business Development, added their voices to the conversation, emphasizing the potential for mutually beneficial cooperation between Ghana and the Caribbean.
Mr. Clement Osei-Amoako, President of GNCCI, speaking at the signing ceremony said it was only through trade that the private sector could harness their full potential and grow together with the Caribbean given the similarities they share.
“So, I see this as an opportunity for us to see our counterparts from the Caribbean and trade with them,” he added.
Following the signing ceremony, participants had the opportunity to network and engage in business-to-business meetings which provided a conducive environment for fostering concrete connections and exchanging ideas.
