…states that Africa needs to utilize the AfCFTA for achieving economic autonomy.
By Juliet ETEFE (
[email protected]
)
The Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa, has reiterated China’s dedication to backing Ghana’s newly established development goals via carefully planned and focused investments.
He mentioned that the emphasis is on regions driving industrialization, modernizing agriculture, generating employment, and facilitating economic transformation.
At a press conference and media interaction event held in Accra, he mentioned that the two countries, Ghana and China, are entering into an enhanced era of strategic collaboration. This partnership extends well past building projects and encompasses wider and more profound interactions.
We are committed to doing everything we can to assist the government of Ghana in achieving their objectives. Our collaboration extends past conventional infrastructure investments. We aim to synchronize with Ghana’s national goals to bolster sectors like industrialization, contemporary agriculture, job creation for young people, and commerce.
“We understand that the government has implemented policies like the 24-hour economy initiative among others. We will explore ways for China to support these efforts led by the Ghanaian Government. However, our main emphasis will be assisting in achieving industrialization and advancing agricultural modernization,” he noted.
In 2023, trade between the two nations amounted to almost $12 billion, consecutively establishing China as Ghana’s top trading partner for multiple years.
The ambassador stated that there is robust dialogue between our two nations and we will keep expanding into crucial areas that bolster Ghana’s development.
He says that China is also making it easier for Ghanaian companies to engage with global trading platforms. He mentioned that around 1,000 Ghanaian enterprises are presently taking part in the current China Import and Export Fair (Canton Fair).
“Our visa department has been exceptionally bustling as numerous Ghanaians are venturing out to seek trade opportunities,” he stated.
In the future, Ambassador Tong stated that China plans to hold a ministerial conference in June 2025 as part of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC). This gathering will also encompass the fourth China-Africa Expo, designed to showcase African goods and foster trading collaborations.
“We are delighted that Ghana will be sending a high-level delegation to promote the nation’s goods and interact with possible investors,” he said additionally.
He noted that under the FOCAC framework, China has committed to implementing ten action plans with African countries, covering trade promotion, connectivity, industry, development cooperation and capacity building.
“These plans are tailored to align with the specific development agenda of each partner country, including Ghana,” he stated.
The ambassador indicated that China’s approach is not just about investment, but about partnership, saying: “We are not here just to invest; we are here to grow together with Ghana and Africa. This is the spirit of our strategic partnership,” he said.
AfCFTA
On the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ambassador Tong commended Africa’s ambition to achieve economic integration and independence.
He emphasised that China fully supports the goals of AfCFTA, describing the initiative as a game-changer for Africa’s development.
“We view the AfCFTA as Africa’s second independence—but this time focused on economics. While the past century witnessed political freedom, the current era calls for economic emancipation. Given Africa’s population of 1.4 billion and an expanding young populace, the continent possesses immense economic promise. We at China are eager to collaborate in realizing this potential,” he stated firmly.
He added that China is collaborating with the AfCFTA Secretariat and is also partnering with the African Union to advance trade facilitation, industrial collaboration, and infrastructure development throughout Africa.
“Our partnership is based on shared respect and reciprocal advantages. We advocate for the integration of African markets and economies. Our aim is to witness Africa transform into a unified, robust trade entity,” he stated.
Provided by Syndigate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
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