by Justice Lee Adoboe
ACCRA, Nov. 6 (Xinhua) -- Ghana is eyeing the China International Import Expo (CIIE) to expand exports, attract investment and strengthen trade ties with China.
The final list of Ghanaian exhibitors obtained from the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness and Industry late Thursday showed that at least 28 local private companies are exhibiting at the CIIE, which opened on Thursday in Shanghai, China.
The exhibitors represent a range of industries, including woodcraft, jewelry, cosmetics, hair products, traditional clothing, leather goods, food, cocoa, coffee and traditional Ghanaian woven fabrics.
"For Africa, the CIIE provides an important gateway to China's vast market, offering opportunities to increase exports, attract investment, promote local industries, and facilitate technology transfer," Grace Nettey, principal commercial officer at the ministry, said in a written interview with Xinhua.
Nettey, who is part of the official Ghanaian delegation to the expo, said the West African country considers the CIIE a significant opportunity to showcase its economic potential, promote made-in-Ghana products, and position the country as "the hub for trade and investment" on the continent.
Ghana's participation in previous editions of the CIIE had strengthened the West African country's commercial relationship with China, giving Ghanaian businesses opportunities to showcase their products, engage potential buyers, and establish business partnerships, Nettey said.
"The expo has contributed to creating opportunities for business engagements, market access, and stronger economic cooperation between the two countries," she said.
Moreover, she noted that the CIIE presents another unique opportunity to improve the competitiveness of Ghanaian products seeking entry into the Chinese market, increase exports, and diversify the country's export base.
"We intend to use the expo to promote products such as cocoa and cocoa products, cashews, shea butter, and processed agricultural goods, while also attracting investment into agribusiness and manufacturing," she said.
Beyond showcasing Ghanaian products, the official said Ghana looks forward to establishing meaningful business partnerships, securing investment opportunities, and creating access to new markets during the event.
She said that Ghana has very high expectations for this year's CIIE, particularly following China's implementation of its expanded zero-tariff treatment of imports from all 53 African countries with which it has diplomatic relations, which took effect on May 1.
"Ultimately, we want Ghana's participation to translate into tangible economic benefits, including increased exports, job creation, industrial development, and stronger Ghana-China trade relations," she said.
