Be ambassadors of non-traditional exports abroad — GEPA Dep CEO

A Deputy Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), Mr Akilu Sayibu, has called on Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration to serve as the eyes and ears of the country and promote its export products in Ghana’s missions abroad.

Mr Sayibu also called on the FSOs to guide and educate local exporters on the various trade regulations, culture and barriers in their host countries in order to save them from falling foul of laws abroad.

Mr Sayibu made the call in a lecture on "Commercial Representation Abroad" during an orientation for 30 FSOs who are proceeding on postings this year to various countries worldwide.

Negotiations

The deputy CEO further urged the FSOs to be involved in export trade negotiations with exporters from Ghana who wanted to deal with new partners abroad.

The officers welcomed the presentation, saying it was insightful and contained suggestions that could enhance the relationship between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the GEPA.

Proceeds

GEPA is working to increase the threshold of proceeds from NTEs which has reduced marginally in recent times.

Under the new leadership, the authority is hoping to increase the inflow from non-traditional exports to $10 billion in four years, riding on the back of untapped potential such as cashew nuts.

The authority is also holding consultations with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) and regional coordinating councils across the country to identify and develop one non-traditional export product from each of the 216 MMDAs.