Cape Coast, Sept. 14, GNA - The Ministry of Trade and Industry (MoTI), on Tuesday, organized a training workshop in Cape Coast for players in the private sector, to equip them to access the service of the newly created Tariff Advisory Board (TAB). The TAB was instituted to among others, analyze and advise the MoTI on tariff related issues, receive and investigate petitions and make appropriate recommendations as well as oversee the implementation of capacity development in both the public and private sectors on trade issues.

In a speech read for her, Mrs. Ama Benyiwa-Doe, Central Regional Minister, noted that, it was imperative that the government equip economic operators to enable them to withstand the "onslaught of competition" brought about by globalization and liberalization of all facets of the world's economy.

"The establishment of the TAB puts Ghana on yet another economic pedestal. It is a feather in the cap of government that shows its commitment to raising the standard of living of our people", she stressed.

She pointed out that the TAB is also a precursor to the Ghana International Trade Commission (GITC), which when instituted, will assume all the functions of the TAB, to among others, review petitions on trade and tariffs.

She advised firms to form strong and vibrant private sector associations, to help assist in the presentation of petitions to the Board, adding that, petitions will be required to have 25 percent of the market share and their application supported by 50 percent of the producers in that sector.

Mrs Benyiwa-Doe said the issue of pirating of Ghanaian textile designs was of immense concern to the government and it was in this regard that a task force had been put in place by MoTI to seize and dispose of all pirated Ghanaian textiles and appealed to the participants to assist in finding a lasting solution to the "menace". Dr. Tawiah Akyea, chairman of the Board said the TAB will support government to mobilize the needed revenue through tariffs, to facilitate the accelerated development of the country.