The Ambassador of the Republic of Cuba, H.E. Mrs. Anette Chao Garcia paid a courtesy call on the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) to discuss opportunities for collaboration in trade and investment on Wednesday, 3rd August, 2022.
Some dignitaries present were the President of the Chamber, Mr. Clement Osei-Amoako, the Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mark Bodu Aboagye and the National Treasurer, Dr. Mrs. Emelia Assiakwa.
The visit was to propose a prospective relationship with the Chamber in the areas of trade, investment and economic opportunities for the Ghana-Cuba business community.
In her remarks, she applauded the Chamber for its outstanding work on behalf of the private sector in Ghana and took advantage of the opportunity to invite Ghana to participate in the upcoming XXXVIII Edition of the Havana International Fair (FIHAV 2022).
“It is the largest multi-sector trade show in the Caribbean and Latin America, as well as the most significant conducted in Cuba. This event will be held from 14 to 18 November 2022 at the EXPOCUBA fairgrounds” she said.
Mrs. Amette Chao Garcia stated that Ghana offers enormous opportunities in various areas, including but not limited to agribusiness, minerals and construction and it is time, in her opinion, for the two countries to explore trade-related opportunities for mutual benefit.
On behalf of the Council, Membership and Staff of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr. Clement Osei Amoako welcomed and expressed his delight at the Ambassador’s plans for Ghana-Cuba to fortify and improve the existing relationship.
Mr. Osei-Amoako noted that Ghana was the first country in the South of the Sahara to establish diplomatic ties with Cuba and it has been fruitful over the years with various projects and programmes undertaken in Ghana to nourish the relationship in the areas of education, health and exchange of technical expertise.
According to him, Ghana and Cuba have maintained diplomatic relations for the past 60 years, during which numerous Ghanaians have received professional training in Cuba while a comparable number of Cuban doctors have worked in Ghana since 1983.
“Particularly, in the health sector where several Ghanaian doctors have benefited under the Cuban Medical Brigade (CMB) Assistance Programme. These medical persons in the CMB have over the years offered invaluable services to communities in Ghana and Africa at large” he said.
He further assured the Ambassador that the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry is eager to assist the Republic of Cuba and increase the efficiency of any cooperation.
The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber, Mr. Mark Badu-Aboagye gave a brief overview of the Chamber and emphasized the importance of national economies’ growth and development and stated that the Chamber supports all initiatives in this direction.
In his final remarks, he noted that both Ghana and Cuba can capitalize on trade and investment opportunities to promote economic progress in our respective countries.
