Trade between Ghana and China exceeds $1.6b in 2009
Ghana-China bilateral trade exceeded $1.6 billion last year,Mr. Zhao Shiren, Charge D’ Affaires at the Chinese Embassy in Ghana disclosed on Friday.
He explained that a number of projects undertaken by Chinese enterprises in the country were over 400, calling for a better and closer Ghana-China cooperation.
Mr. Zhao noted that Ghana-China friendship had not only endured the vicissitude of time, but also consolidated and prospered.
He made this known at the end of an exhibition mounted by the Chinese Embassy to mark the 50 years of diplomatic relations between both countries.
The exhibition co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration and was on the theme: “Friendship, Cooperation and Development.”
The event, attended by citizens of both countries and some members of the diplomatic corps, showcased historic photos from present to as far back as the 1960s, of some projects as well as government and private sector leaders, who blazed the trail of diplomatic relations between both countries.
“Over the last 50 years, people to people contacts have been further strengthened…the most recent example of Ghana actively participating in the Shanghai Expo 2010 by sending large trade delegation and the national dance troupe”, Mr. Zhao added.
Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, commended China on the remarkable transformation of their economy which has become the second largest destination for direct foreign investment in the world.
He said Ghana appreciates her unique relations with China and is committed to further deepening and strengthening existing warm bilateral ties as well as expansion and scope of economic and technical cooperation between the two countries.
Alhaji Mumuni therefore called on “Chinese businessmen to take advantage of Ghana’s Export Free Zone Enclave, the on-going vast and encouraging oil exploration, excellent sea and air connection and improved infrastructural network to increase their importation of food items, horticultural produce, jewellery, handicraft and wood carvings, chocolate and knock-down furniture from Ghana in order to ensure a fair and balanced trade between our two brotherly countries”.
Diplomatic relations between Ghana and China started in the early 1960s through the instrumentality of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah.
Source: GNA