Fidelity Bank to help deepen Ghana-China relations
The Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Mr Edward Effah, has pledged the bank’s commitment to help deepen the trade relations between Ghana and China.
Addressing a gathering on the celebration of the Chinese New Year, also known as The Year of the Horse, which fell on February 8, Mr Effah said that trade between China and Ghana had increased from US$121.9 million in 2000 to an impressive US$5.4 billion in 2012 and that the bank had taken a giant step to further deepen the relationship.
“It is for this reason that Fidelity Bank took the bold step of commissioning an Asia Desk, armed with Mandarin speaking employees, and opening an overseas subsidiary in Malaysia to assist in this endeavour,” he said.
China is currently the second largest economy in the world and is touted as a global power house; this has significantly improved the living standards of citizens.
The MD of Fidelity Bank was optimistic that with the assistance of China, Ghana could follow a similar growth trajectory for the benefit of its citizens by making investments in infrastructure, a buoyant entrepreneurship and innovation.
He emphasised Fidelity Bank’s commitment to support its clients throughout the year. “The Year of the Horse is also recognised to be a year of fast victories brought through decisive action, so I implore us all to act in this manner, with the knowledge that Fidelity Bank is committed to supporting you all of the way.”
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Gong Jianzhong, and the Chairman of the Chinese Chamber of Commerce Ghana Association, Mr Su Yuehua, both expressed optimism that China-Ghana relationship in terms of trade and investment would increase in the coming years.
China and Ghana’s relation has entered a new era of strength and prosperity. This is evidenced by the numerous projects, such as the collaboration between the Ghanaian Government and Sino Hydro to construct the Bui Dam, Sinopec’s Ghana Gas Infrastructure Development Project at Atuabo, the Sunon Asogoli Power Plant and the construction of Parliament House by the eminent China State Hualong.
Series of raffle draws were held to reward both Chinese and Ghanaians who had thronged the GS Plaza Hotel to celebrate the Chinese New Year.