African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has been launched in the Eastern Region to create awareness on the National AfCFTA Policy Framework and action Plan for Boosting Ghana’s Trade with African countries.
The primary objective for the launch was to create awareness, inform stakeholders and business communities on the processes and procedures for trading under AfCFTA, sensitizes MSMEs, identify local companies that have the capacity to trade under the AfCTFA to be supported under the National Coordination Office’s Market Expansion Project.
Delivering the welcome remarks, the Eastern Regional Minister, Hon. Seth Kwame Acheampong noted that, the establishment of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has indeed opened up new horizons and paved the way for unprecedented economic cooperation and integration.
He continued that the region must harness its resources and leverage on its strengths in order to propel Ghana’s trade relations with other African partners to new heights.
The Hon. Minister mentioned that, Eastern Region is uniquely positioned to play an apex role in realizing the objectives of the AfCFTA with the strategic location, abundant natural resources and a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit, the region is poised to become a thriving hub of trade and commerce in the country.
Dr. Fareed Arthur, the National Coordinator for AfCFTA in his opening address noted that, AfCFTA was established after a decision was taken by African Heads of States and Government of the African Union to establish a free trade area that seeks to boost intra-African trade by creating a single African market for the free movement of goods, services, persons and capital, which is expected to progressively eliminate tariffs, as well as other non-tariff constraints on intra- African trade, making it easier for businesses in Ghana to trade within the continent and explore endless opportunities.
He emphasized that businesses in Ghana will have access to cheaper raw materials from across Africa, to feed their factories as well as access to regional and continental value chains.
Mr. John Donkor, the Regional Cor-ordinating Director of Eastern Regional Cor-ordinating Council noted in a presentation that the region is ready to participate in the AfCFTA project for the growth of the region.
The conference which was held in Capital View Hotel, Koforidua, had in attendance, representatives from Exim Bank, Ghana Export Promotion Authority, Ghana Standard Authority, Ghana Enterprise Agency, Ghana Free Zones Authority, Koforidua Technical University, AGI, Ghana Union of Traders Association, various market queens and heads of departments, institutions and agencies.
Source:Mybrytfmonline.com/Kwabena Nyarko Abronoma
