Let’s collaborate to boost exports — Shippers’ Authority
The Head of Freight and Logistics at the Ghana Shippers' Authority (GSA), Fred Asiedu-Dartey, has asked for strong collaboration between public and private sector players to take full advantage of opportunities presented under international trade agreements.
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He explained that the collaboration should precede the creation of a robust drive which would thrive on the country’s trade agreements such as the interim EU-GHANA Partnership agreement, African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
“The government has made strides through a range of measures including negotiation of trade agreements such as the interim EU-GHANA Partnership agreement, AGOA, AfCFTA, ECOWAS, COMESA, ETLS, UK-TPA as well as export finance, export promotion, infrastructure development, regulatory and administrative support to the export industry.
“According to data from the Integrated Customs Management System, the percentage of usage remains relatively low with several export declarations under the various agreements recording minimal approval and registered status.
“To fully leverage the opportunities presented under these agreements, there must be collaboration between the public and private sectors to continuously improve trade procedures, infrastructure, and policies,” Mr Asiedu-Dartey said at the opening of a forum for Ghanaian exporters in Accra.
The forum
It was on the topic, “Facilitating shipments under Ghana’s preferential trade agreements”.
The forum, organised by the GSA, seeks to educate exporters on preferential trade agreements, market requirements and trade facilitation terms.
It was also aimed at addressing issues in the air cargo space and opened a constructive dialogue to generate actionable recommendations for policymakers, industry stakeholders and exporters.
Changing dynamics
Mr Asiedu-Dartey stated that exporters must adapt to the changing dynamics of international trade by focusing on policy responses, improved production and shipping practices
He said exports sped up national development, economic growth, job creation and innovation, and the benefits of exports required sustainable and inclusive policies and strategies
He said the government has taken measures such as trade agreements, and other export financing arrangements to support and promote exports.
"Despite these efforts, obstacles still remain and these impede the trade potential," he said.
He said that as a relevant player in the sector, the GSA promoted exporters' interest within a transport and logistics framework while ensuring effective trade facilitation.
He added that facilitating trade required proper planning, documentation, compliance and logistics, and that it was crucial for exporters to understand the provisions and the impact of trade agreements and stay informed about global trade developments.
Implementation of policies
A Chief Trade Negotiator at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Stephen Opoku Mickson, said the ministry was the lead policy advisor to the government on trade, industrial and private sector development with responsibility for the formulation and implementation of policies.
He noted that the government in the past few years has been implementing a 10-point agenda which was a comprehensive and integrated programme for industrial transformation.
He said the 10-point agenda was made up of the stimulus package for existing local industries under the One District, One Factory (1D1F) initiative.
“The initiative seeks to provide support for the private sector to establish at least one medium to large scale industrial enterprises,” he said.
Mr Opoku said AfCFTA would create the largest free trade area in the world measured by the number of countries participating.
He said the pact connects 1.3 billion people across 55 countries with a combined gross domestic product (GDP) valued at $3.4 trillion.
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It has the potential to lift 30 million people out of extreme poverty, but achieving its full potential will depend on putting in place significant policy reforms and trade facilitation measures.