In a bid to fortify international trade relations, Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, in collaboration with the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA), orchestrated a pivotal trade mission to Ghana. The week-long initiative aimed to foster economic cooperation between the two nations and explore avenues for mutually beneficial partnerships.
The Lancaster Hotel in Accra served as the backdrop for plenary sessions and one-to-one business matchmaking sessions, connecting businesses from Ghana with their counterparts from Trinidad and Tobago. The mission commenced with an enlightening opening session themed "Doing Business in Ghana," featuring distinguished speakers from both countries who deliberated on the subject.
Among the prominent figures present were High Commissioner of Trinidad and Tobago, Wendell De Landro; President of TTMA, Roger Roach; President of InvestTT, Sekou Alleyne, and CEO of TTMA, Dr. Ramesh Ramdeen. Each emphasized the potential for cooperation and the economic advantages inherent in such collaborations.
Framework for Cooperation
Trinidad and Tobago's Minister of Trade, Paula Goopee-Scoon, underscored her country's commitment to establishing robust frameworks conducive to trade and investment between the Caribbean nation and Ghana. She expressed hopes that the mission would pave the way for increased business engagements between the regions.
Financial Conduit
Benjamin Dzoboku, Managing Director of Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, highlighted the institution's pivotal role as a financial conduit facilitating seamless trade between the two countries. Dzoboku assured attendees of the bank's commitment to providing tailored financial solutions and support to ensure successful ventures in Ghana.
Insights into customs regulations were provided by Lemmy Kwawu, Head of Risk Management at the Ghana Revenue Authority (GRA), while Jessica Nkansah, Inspectorate Director of the Ghana Standards Authority, emphasized the importance of maintaining high-quality standards for goods and services entering the Ghanaian market.
Joseph Obeng, President of the Ghana Union of Traders Association (GUTA), and Edward Ashong-Lartey, Director for Investor Services at the Ghana Investments Promotion Centre (GIPC), offered guidance on trading prerequisites and investment opportunities in various sectors of Ghana's economy.
Dr. Fareed Arthur, Head of the National Coordinating Office of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA), shared insights on deepening trade relations within the African continental region, further expanding the scope of potential partnerships.
Cementing Ties
Republic Bank hosted a celebratory cocktail function, underscoring the success of the mission and the burgeoning ties between the two nations. The event provided a networking platform for delegates to foster connections expected to evolve into fruitful partnerships.
Prospects and Opportunities
The trade mission lays the groundwork for diversifying economic activities between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago, promising growth in non-traditional sectors. Delegates were introduced to numerous investment avenues, paving the way for increased foreign direct investment and technological exchange.
Republic Bank (Ghana) PLC, a subsidiary of Republic Financial Holdings Limited (RFHL) of Trinidad & Tobago, boasts a rich legacy of over 185 years in the region. With a total asset base exceeding $17.1 billion, Republic Financial Holdings Limited stands as the largest and most profitable independent bank in the English-speaking Caribbean, poised to further bolster economic ties between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago.
