BY: Lambert Coffie | Voltaonlinegh.com|
The Ghana Shippers Authority (GSA) has organized a one-day workshop for exporters in the Volta Region, focusing on strategies to expand the country’s export sector.
At the core of the discussions was the ambitious vision outlined in the National Export Development Strategy (NEDS), aimed at propelling the growth of Non-Traditional Exports (NTEs) from a modest GHS 2.8 billion in 2020 to an impressive GHS 25.3 billion by 2029.
Speaking at the workshop held in Ho on Thursday, 30th November 2023, Mr. Charles Darling Asiedu Sey, the Tema Branch Manager of the GSA, underscored the collaborative effort required to turn the vision into reality. He stressed the need for innovative solutions and a steadfast commitment to creating an environment conducive to international business growth, hinged on structural transformation to position Ghana as a formidable export-led industrialized economy.
To ensure sustainable export shipping practices in Ghana, Mr. Sey highlighted critical areas that demand collaborative attention, such as Customs (GRA) rules, warehousing, forwarding processes, and financial considerations. He also revealed ongoing partnerships with service providers to enhance the quality of shipping services.
“Efforts are underway to review export-related policies, simplify procedures, reduce bureaucracy, and foster a more favorable business environment,” he stated, further emphasising the importance of harnessing the full benefits of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which commenced in January 2021.
“To fully harness the benefits of this agreement, it is essential to empower and strategically position Ghanaian exporters. This necessitates the adoption of a comprehensive approach that addresses the needed policies, regulations, and practices. Such an approach is crucial for unlocking the full economic potential and ensuring successful integration into the broader African trade landscape facilitated by AfCFTA.”
The seminar also featured a presentation by Mr. Paul Kobina Mensah, the CEO of Mass Logistics, on the ‘Planning, to reduce the cost of export shipments’. He shared valuable insights on various strategies for successful export businesses, further contributing to the collective effort to elevate Ghana’s export sector to new heights.
Source: www.voltaonlinegh.com