Some of the speakers at the conference
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the Western Region have been urged to take advantage of the Africa Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to scale up their activities and expand into African markets.
The AfCFTA will make it possible for MSMEs in the region to have access to a market of about 1.3 billion people across the continent and provides endless possibilities for the socio-economic growth.
This came to light at the Western Regional conference on the implementation of the AfCFTA in Takoradi.
The regional conference was organized to sensitise the business community and other stakeholders on the institutional arrangements for the implementation of AfCFTA in Ghana.
It was organized by the National AfCFTA Coordinating office in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade and Industry.
Speaking at the programme, Joseph Cobbinah Garbrah, Regional Chairman of the Association of Ghana Industries (AGI) said the region prides itself as the largest producer of cocoa, timber, rubber and palm oil.
He noted that to fully benefit from the AfCFTA, it is recommended for businesses in the region to obtain both domestic and international certifications and produce according to standards.
Jacob Gyamfi Aidoo, in-charge of capacity building at AfCFTA revealed that among the requirements for trading under AfCFTA was that all goods eligible must originate from State parties and that AfCFTA Certificate of Origin would be required.
“Products originating from State party must be obtained wholly in that State, for instance, farm products”, he explained.
Fareed Arthur, National Coordinator of AfCFTA noted that the initiative holds the potential to provide a credible path to improving intra-Africa trade for improved income and jobs.
“This is imperative to strengthen local businesses, particularly, small and medium enterprises through standardization to enhance international market access”.
Madam Ursla Tawiah, who represented the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) urged Ghanaian entrepreneurs to endeavor to meet international standards adding, “under AfCFTA, the competition is no longer local but international”.
Western Region Minister, Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah in an address read on his behalf noted that AfCFTA also exists to eliminate trade barriers and boost intra-Africa trade.
“The move is contributing to establishing regional value chains in Africa, which enables investment and job creation”, he pointed out.
From Emmanuel Opoku, Takoradi