Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago are embarking on a collaborative effort to explore trade opportunities in the manufacturing and export sectors for mutual benefit.
A high-powered delegation led by Madam Paula Gopee-Scoon, Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Trade and Industry, visited Mr Kobina Tahir Hammond, Ghana's Minister of Trade and Industry, at his office in Accra on Tuesday to discuss potential avenues of cooperation.
During the visit, the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) and Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers Association signed a Memorandum of Understanding to formalize trade collaboration in the manufacturing sector. The agreement aims to facilitate cooperation in export trade, technology transfer, and skills training, particularly in the oil and gas industry.
Madam Gopee-Scoon emphasized Trinidad and Tobago's interest in expanding its manufacturing sector beyond oil and gas, highlighting the partnership with AGI as a crucial step in achieving this goal. She expressed her country's desire to export products such as food, beverages, and chemicals to Ghana while welcoming Ghanaian exports to Trinidad and Tobago.
Furthermore, Madam Gopee-Scoon revealed that investors from Trinidad and Tobago are keen on exploring investment opportunities in Ghana, and she encouraged Ghanaian investors to consider opportunities in Trinidad and Tobago.
Acknowledging the current trade volume between the two countries as insubstantial, Madam Gopee-Scoon stressed the need for enhanced collaboration to elevate the relationship beyond cultural and social connections.
Mr Hammond expressed enthusiasm about the prospect of Ghanaian manufacturers exporting their products to Trinidad and Tobago. He highlighted the Government's One District One Factory initiative as a facilitator for enhancing trade relations and encouraged AGI to foster fruitful collaboration with their Trinidadian counterparts.
The Minister identified the cocoa, textile, and garment industries as areas of particular interest and expressed optimism about the potential success of the collaboration.
In conclusion, the meeting between the trade delegations from Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago signals a promising step towards strengthening bilateral trade relations and fostering economic growth and development for both nations.