Government has secured a loan of 7.3 million euros for investment in the banana industry to ensure the production of quality bananas for export, said Dr Hawkins Asiedu, a Director at the Ministry of Trade and Industry.

He said the country’s export strategy is aimed at increasing the revenue base of non-traditional exports from $2.5 billion to $5 billion by 2017.

He urged exporters in non-traditional products such as woodcrafts, pharmaceutical, textiles and cereals to double their efforts to achieve the set goals and targets.

Dr Hawkins said this at a stakeholders’ meeting held in Takoradi on Friday, to increase awareness and knowledge of participants about the activities of the Ministry.

The forum was also aimed at sharing with stakeholders the Ministry’s policies and programmes, as well as strategic initiatives and interventions being undertaken by the Ministry.

The participants at the forum included artisans, entrepreneurs, polytechnic students, as well as staff from the Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Mr Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, urged the entrepreneurs to ensure that their products meet international standards so that they could compete favourably in any market abroad.

He said the Ministry’s main objective is to promote vibrant trade that would boost the growth of the country’s economy and ultimately improve the lives of the people.

“As a Ministry, we have a responsibility to ensure that all our policies, programmes and activities are brought to the doorsteps of the people, for them to have a better appreciation and understanding of these policies”, he said.