Ghana-China trade must create more jobs, value locally - Dr Ato Forson

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has called for a shift in Ghana’s trade relationship with China towards greater local processing, manufacturing and job creation.

Speaking at the opening of the Fifth Session of the Ghana–China Joint Commission on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation, Dr Forson noted that although China is Ghana’s largest trading partner, the structure of trade between the two countries needs to improve.

“China is now Ghana’s largest trading partner, but the structure must improve,” he said.

The Minister said Ghana’s priority is to process more of its raw materials locally and significantly increase exports of processed cocoa and other value-added products to the Chinese market.

“We seek investments that build processing plants and manufacturing lines, transfer technology, procure from Ghanaian businesses, train our people and create sustainable jobs,” Dr Forson stressed.

He said Ghana’s economic partnership with China must deliver greater opportunities for local businesses and workers while contributing more meaningfully to the wider economy.

China’s Assistant Minister for Commerce, Zhang Li, who is visiting Ghana for the first time, commended Dr Forson and the government for the country’s recent economic improvements.

He said China was committed to deepening economic and commercial cooperation with Ghana, including support for the government’s Big Push Programme and other priority initiatives.