79th Exporters’ Forum sets grounds for continuous sensitization of exporters on AfCFTA

The Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) has resolved the need for the continuous sensitization and education of exporters on the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) beginning January 2020.

According to the Authority, since it is imperative for exporters to be ready to take optimal advantage of the opportunities in AfCFTA, it will embark on a nationwide roadshow to build their capacity.

This is expected to enhance their competitiveness with regards to diversification of Ghana’s export base, product transformation and value addition in production and above all increase their economies of scale. The move will also ensure that Ghanaian exporters understand and appreciate the importance of the policy and its implication on their businesses.

To formally begin this process, GEPA constituted a multi-stakeholder forum made up of exporters, Food and Drugs Authority, Ghana Standards Authority as well as some private sector players in the sector to have an effective dialogue aimed at promoting and improving business partnerships.

Speaking during the 79^th exporters’ forum in Accra last Thursday, the Chief Executive Officer of the GEPA, Dr Afua Asabea Asare noted that since the Authority constantly work with exporters, it is important to engage them and solicit positive response.

“We have to be ready, otherwise sadly we will only be a host to AfCFTA and not a successful participant… Partnership is the bedrock for success in today’s world of business and platforms such as the exporters forum creates the needed access for open communication and honest feedback to improve our service delivery”, she reiterated.

The forum was organized on the theme: Effective Dialogue – an inspiration for improved business partnerships.

Over the years, the exporters’ forum has provided a platform for interactive communication where concerns and issues affecting exporters are raised and discussed.