“The Republic of Ghana is the headquarter of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and can serve as a gateway to the 1.2 billion-strong African population having a combined GDP of USD 3.4 trillion”, said H.E. Dr. Michael Aaron N. N. Oquaye Esq (Jnr), High Commissioner, The High Commission of the Republic of Ghana in India at the ‘India-Ghana Trade & Investment Opportunities Virtual Summit’ organised by World Trade Center Mumbai and World Trade Center Accra.

He further remarked that Indian companies can explore investment opportunities in sectors such as gold, bauxite and iron ore mining, agro-processing and healthcare, among others.

In his video message, H.E. Mr. Sugandh Rajaram, High Commissioner, The High Commission of India in Ghana opined that Indian MSMEs can take advantage of opportunities in rural development, agriculture technologies, agriculture cultivation, irrigation, agro-processing, sanitation and renewable energy projects in Ghana.

Mr. T.V Ganesan, Second Secretary, High Commission of India in Ghana remarked that India is among the top three exporters of textile products to Ghana. Further, Indian companies can supply raw materials and impart knowledge to Ghana businesses in the pharmaceutical sector. Indian companies can also set up value-addition plants in Ghana.

Earlier in his Welcome Remarks, Mr. Vijay Kalantri, Vice Chairman, World Trade Center Mumbai said the AfCFTA can help India increase its presence in Africa by investing in Ghana. He proposed to organise an Africa Conclave to promote joint cooperation for companies in the agriculture, pharmaceutical, engineering and automobile sectors, among others.

Mr. Kalantri highlighted that WTC Mumbai is launching a Virtual Trade and Exhibition Platform, worldtradeexpo.org, and invited companies in Ghana to participate in its month-long Handloom Festival.

In his Welcome Address, Mr. Edem Yevutsey, Managing Director, WTC Accra said that Ghana is the bastion of peace and security and its government’s policies such as single-window port clearance and digitisation of registrations aim at promoting trade and industry.

The Inaugural session was followed by simultaneous Breakout sessions comprising discussions among representatives from the Textile, Pharmaceutical, Agro Processing, Healthcare & Health IT, Mining & Mineral Exploration, Petroleum and Chemical sectors.

Ms. Rupa Naik, Senior Director, World Trade Center Mumbai proposed the Vote of Thanks.

The event was attended by representatives from trade and industry, consular corps, academicians, MSMEs and students.