The NPP government on assumption of office promised Ghanaians a ?Golden Age of Business?, and for this policy to become a reality, it has now become necessary for Ghana to fashion out a new National Trade Policy.
?In government?s bid to promote Private Sector development as promised, there is the need for a coherent ?Trade Policy? says the chairman for the workshop, Dr. Osei Boeh-Ocansey at a day?s workshop on ?Ghana National Trade Policy Statement?.
Mr. Boeh-Ocansey said in building up a consensus for Trade Policy past and present policies are being taken into account, having trade debates, taking the Coutonou accord and the WTO into consideration.
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Dr. Konadu Apraku in his address said Ghana has sent signals to the international community to show that the country is ready for business, but the response to these signals have not been promising.
The reason being the Trade Policy of the country, he bemoaned.
He said Europe has asked for the extension of the ?Free Trade Areas?. If Africa can have access to the European market, they should also have a free access to the African market without import tariffs.
Dr. Apraku made a call to academicians, private entrepreneurs, researchers and Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) to work hand in hand with the Ministry to bring out ideas that are achievable and practicable. The minister said government is negotiating with the WTO to bring out effective policies.
He said government is looking at changing from trade liberalisation to the protectionist. As it is now trade liberalisation has not helped in the growth of the economy.
Mr. Konadu Apraku said Ghana is going to be realistic about our leverage strength and weaknesses and seek alliances that will give the country greater strength to forge ahead.
He said in drafting this new Trade Policy, Ghana must work on our market trends predict ability, credibility, build on our competitiveness take stock of what resources the country has.
