Business News of 2012-06-29

Exporters threaten closure over high charges

Some exporters have told Citi Business News they will be forced to fold up if current charges at the Perishable Cargo Centre (PCC) at the Kotoka International Airport (KIA) are not reviewed downwards.

The exporters who are mainly owners of small and medium scale businesses say they are unable to keep up with the fees charged at the facility.

Citi Business News has gathered exporters are charged 5 cents per kilo for their goods. The facility which was handed over to government early this year is part of the post-harvest interventions provided under the Ghana compact of the Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) to strengthen export of agricultural and horticultural produce.

The facility is also expected to help the trade Ministry achieve its target of increasing non-traditional exports within the next five years.

Reacting to the issue at the 73rd national exporters’ forum which is organized twice a year to deliberate on issues affecting exporters the Deputy Trade Minister, Dr J.S. Annan said government will meet with stakeholders to consider reviewing the charges.

Meanwhile the Trade Ministry has hinted the country is likely to achieve its target of increasing non – traditional exports within the next five years.

Government wants to hit 5 billion cedis in revenue for non – traditional exports by 2015. It hit 2.4 billion last year and industry players say government is likely to meet the target.**