In a bid to foster stronger economic ties and collaboration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GNCCI) has successfully organised the second edition of the “Time with the Ambassador” series. This initiative serves as a platform for identifying and nurturing potential areas of cooperation among participating states in the “AfCFTA Guided Trade”. In this edition, the spotlight was on the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce, shedding light on the intricate dynamics of trade relations, entrepreneurship, and shared aspirations for mutual prosperity.
In his opening address, Mr. Clement Osei-Amoako, President of the GNCCI, underlined the enduring partnership between Ghana and the Republic of Mauritius. These nations share a common ethos rooted in trade, entrepreneurship, and a resolute pursuit of progress. Despite the numerous challenges posed by recent global economic happenings, the bond between Ghana and Mauritius remains strong, as evidenced by activities such as trade missions, exhibits, and the essential signing of bilateral trade agreements. One such notable agreement is the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA), which contributes to the stable trade volume between the two nations.
Mr. Osei-Amoako acknowledged the favourable trade balance enjoyed by Mauritius according to available data. However, he aptly highlighted that significant untapped economic potential remains dormant. This untapped potential represents a valuable opportunity for both nations to unlock latent economic benefits, further solidifying their partnership and shared prosperity.
Dr. Drishtysingh Ramdenee, Secretary General of the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce, shed light on the promising avenues of cooperation across various sectors. He emphasized that trading between Ghana and Mauritius might be complicated, necessitating the creation of new channels to allow simpler procedures. In this regard, Dr. Ramdenee encouraged Ghanaian businesses to take advantage of the AfCFTA to enhance trade flow between the two countries.
One significant area highlighted by Mr. Ramdenee is the role of ICT in nurturing sustainable trade relations. Drawing from the Mauritian experience, he emphasised the importance of a robust IT structure, which has bolstered their trade capacity. Notably, Mauritius has established an innovative scheme that assesses energy efficiency and production performance—an initiative seamlessly integrated into its education system. This serves as a potent example of innovation driving economic advancement.
In his closing remarks, the President urged all stakeholders to actively participate in “Time with Ambassadors”, emphasising the significance of the programme in cultivating a vibrant trade ecosystem. The event attracted more than 300 participants.
