Trade Minister calls for EU's partnership for Ghana's job-creation agenda

Minister for Trade and Industry, Alan John Kwadwo Kyerematen has appealed to development partners of the nation to align their programs with government’s job creation agenda.

Mr. Kyeremanten, who made the appeal when a European Union (EU) delegation to Ghana paid a call on him at the ministry of Trade and Industry, in Accra, urged them to build a stronger partnership with government as the new administration takes steps to boost Ghana’s economy. 

Led by EU Ambassador, William Hanna, the delegation’s main purpose of the visit was to discuss how the EU and the ministry could work together to ensure that Ghana attained its development goals.

Mr. Kyerematen disclosed government’s “ambitious plans” to implement numerous programs that would accelerate the country’s economy and make it the best globally. 

He highlighted the much talked about “one district, one factory” policy and other programs designed specifically to help local businesses to attain international status.
 
He expressed government’s commitment to initiate reforms to support local businesses to grow, as well as create a conducive environment for foreign investors to make Ghana their foremost investment destination center. 

He said, the government would establish an industrial sub-contracting exchange that would provide a platform for small and medium enterprises to link up with large-scale businesses. 

“Apart from that, we will also promote the production and consumption of made-in-Ghana goods to create the needed market for local businesses,” he revealed.
 
He talked about the government’s readiness to take advantage of the establishment of the continental free trade area to increase Ghana’s export, adding that, “attention will also be shifted on exports to the US and EU markets.” 

Mr Kyerematen revealed that his ministry would soon come up with an annual presidential summit where the government would interface with the private sector.

For his part, Mr. Hanna made known the EU’s willingness to partner the government and support its development agenda, noting that, it was willing to adjust its programs to meet the specific objective of the government.

He added that, the union had no problem with assisting Ghana to attain its economic goals, however, the EU’s major objective was to provide support for the government in the area of economic growth and development.

SOURCE: Daily Graphic