The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce (GNCC) is convening private sector businesses to deliberate moves to improve trade within the African Continent.
The meeting, in partnership with the Pan Africa Chamber of Commerce, is a build up to the signing of the pact for the Continental Free Trade Africa program.
The CFTA is among others seeking to increase the trade volumes among African economies and eventually build the role of the private sector in promoting economic growth and development.
The recommendations to be proffered at the end of the meeting is expected to culminate in the implementation of the program.
The CEO of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce, Mark Badu Aboagye in an interview with Citi Business News ahead of the conference bemoaned the low level of trade among countries within the sub-region currently estimated at 27 percent.
“The CTFA will also reduce the vulnerability of the continent to external shocks and promote specialization among African countries. This is also against the backdrop that Africa’s population of 1.2 billion is set to expand to 2 billion people.”
Citing the over 360 million available market within West Africa for instance, Mr. Aboagye was confident of reversing the trend with the implementation of the CFTA.
On his part, the Executive Director of the Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Kebour Ghenna was highly hopeful of the successful rollout with the massive involvement of the private sector in the deliberations.
“Very little has been asked from the private sector on this issue and this should serve as an opportunity to debate and dialogue…this will offer recommendations as to what the private sector would like to see in facilitating the free trade across Africa,” he asserted.
The two day conference (12th&13th September) scheduled to take place at the Kempinski Hotel in Accra, will convene about 150 economic operators including key political authorities such as Vice President; Dr. MahamuduBawumia, Mr. Alan Kyerematen (Trade and Industry Minister), ambassadors as well as High Commissioners as well as business leaders from across the continent.
The conference is on the theme, “The Continental Free Trade Africa – Exploring possibilities for business engagement in Africa”.
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By : Pius AmihereEduku/citibusinessnews.com/Ghana