Sir Peter Middleton, the visiting Group Chairman of Barclays Bank PLC, on Thursday said the bank would assist the government to promote the export sector.

He did not give details but said some operations of the bank such as the automatic teller machines (ATMs) and the card systems would be improved in line with the socio-economic development of the country.

Sir Peter, who was speaking to newsmen after a courtesy call on President John Agyekum Kufuor at the Castle, Osu, said they had general discussions on the fiscal and monetary policies of the government and the micro economic situation.

He said his visit was to support the Bank's efforts in the country and pledged their effective participation in all aspects of the economy. Dr Paa Kwesi Nduom, Minister of Economic Planning and Regional Integration, said President Kufuor expressed his appreciation to the bank and stressed the need for more support in the export sector. He said some aspects of the discussions were on the elimination of cash in transactions and the use of other facilities as the economy grew.

The wife of Sir Peter, Lady Middleton, Mr Kobina Quansah, Managing Director of Barclays Bank, Ghana and Oyeeman Wereko Ampem II, Chief of Amanokrom and Gyaasehene of Akwapim Traditional Area and Board Chairman of Barclays Bank, Ghana accompanied him.