Some of the workers
Total revenue from Non Traditional Exports (NTEs) in 2015 amounted to $2.522 billion as against $2.514 billion in 2014.
James Tiigah, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA), who made this known at the 26th President’s National Awards for Export Achievement, said although growth was modest, export revenues would witness significant growth in the next few years with the implementation of the National Export Strategy.
He said the awards, which was held on the theme: ‘Celebrating Export Excellence,’ was aimed at acknowledging companies which excelled in the NTE sector.
Helen Mona Quartey, the Deputy Minister of Finance, who represented President Mahama at the event, hinted that the GEPA governing law would be soon reviewed to position the Authority to facilitate, develop and promote NTEs.
She said there are plans to provide dedicated funds from the EXIM Bank to support businesses in the export sector, adding that the EXIM Bank would provide the much-needed funds to implement the National Export Development Programme (NEDP).
Mrs. Mona Quartey said government was maintaining the target of processing at least 60 percent of cocoa beans produced in Ghana by supporting major chocolate manufacturing companies to establish and upgrade their processing plants.
This, she said, would further increase the volume of processed cocoa products which continue to lead in the NTE sector.
Niche Cocoa Industry Limited was adjudged the Exporter of the Year for both 2014 and 2015.
By Cephas Larbi
cephrok@yahoo.com