Ghanaian businesses urged to tap into ECOWAS marketDeputy Minister for Foreign Affairs James Gyakye Quayson has urged Ghanaian businesses to take greater advantage of opportunities available within the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) regional market.
He said Ghanaian enterprises have significant potential to expand the export of agricultural products, pharmaceuticals, textiles, machinery and digital services to other countries within the West African bloc.
Mr Quayson made the call in Accra at the launch of the ‘ECOWAS for All’ campaign, an initiative aimed at increasing awareness of the opportunities and benefits associated with regional economic integration.
According to him, the relatively low participation of some Ghanaian businesses in regional trade is partly due to inadequate awareness of ECOWAS trade rules, procedures and available market opportunities.
He said the campaign would focus on educating businesses, traders and other stakeholders on the benefits of ECOWAS integration and the practical steps required to access markets across the region.
Mr Quayson noted that improving knowledge of regional trade agreements and procedures could enable more Ghanaian enterprises to look beyond the domestic market and explore opportunities in other West African countries.
He said businesses that understand the relevant rules and procedures would be better positioned to identify markets for their products and services and take advantage of the opportunities presented by regional integration.
Promoting intra-regional trade
The ‘ECOWAS for All’ campaign is expected to provide businesses and traders with information on regional trade opportunities and the processes involved in accessing markets within the ECOWAS community.
The initiative is also expected to promote greater participation in intra-regional trade, expand market access for Ghanaian products and services, and support businesses seeking to establish a presence across West Africa.
Mr Quayson encouraged Ghanaian businesses to take a keen interest in the campaign and use the information provided to explore opportunities available within the regional market.
He said stronger participation by Ghanaian businesses in regional trade could contribute to expanding export opportunities and strengthening economic ties among countries within the ECOWAS region.
Story by Ama Frimpomaa