The Deputy Minister for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Kwaku Ampratwum-Sarpong, has called for enhanced trade relations between Ghana and Pakistan. The plea was made during a meeting held with a Pakistani Business Delegation on Friday, May 12, 2023. The delegation was led by Ambassador Eric Owusu Boateng, Ghana's Ambassador to Iran with concurrent accreditation to Pakistan.
Hon. Ampratwum-Sarpong warmly welcomed the Pakistani Business Delegation to Ghana and took the opportunity to provide them with an overview of Ghana's favorable business environment. He encouraged the delegation to explore the numerous investment opportunities available in the country for the mutual benefit of both nations.
Highlighting the significance of the bilateral relationship, the Ambassador of Pakistan to Ghana, H.E. Farhat Ayesha, emphasized that Ghana holds the position of Pakistan's largest trade partner in West Africa. Ayesha noted that the current volume of trade between the two nations is valued at US$67 million and expressed optimism for further growth.
Contributing to the discussion, Vice Consul of Ghana in Pakistan, Umar Shahid Butt, underscored Ghana's stable political environment, its large literate population, and the presence of a skilled workforce. He outlined these factors as making Ghana an ideal country for business ventures. Butt further emphasized the need to increase the volume of trade between Pakistan and Ghana, acknowledging the challenges faced by developing economies due to the ongoing pandemic and the conflict in Ukraine. He suggested that promoting mutual trade could help overcome these difficulties.
The visit of the 14-member Pakistani Business Delegation to Ghana aimed to explore the diverse business opportunities the country has to offer. This delegation represents the first major Pakistani visit to Ghana since the reopening of the Pakistani High Commission in the country nearly a year ago, following a 30-year absence.