Accra, March 17, GNA - For the first time in the history of Ghana, the NPP government has come out with a trade policy that will facilitate effective growth of the nation's economy. The Trade, Industry and the President's Special Initiative Minister, Hon. Alan Kyeremateng stated this on Wednesday at the University of Ghana, Legon.

He was speaking at a forum organised by the Legon branch of the Tertiary Education Students Confederacy (TESCON) of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

He noted that the trade policy had been designed through a comprehensive and all-inclusive process based on well-researched analysis and wide consultation of all stakeholders.

The policy, according to him was set within the context of the nation's long-term strategic vision of achieving a middle-income status by 2012 and also to become a leading agro-industrial country in Africa. He added that the policy would provide clear and transparent guidelines for the implementation of government's domestic and international agenda.

Mr Kyeremateng expressed worry over the nation's slow pace at development despite her potential riches in natural and human resources. He attributed the problem to the absence of a viable trade policy that could provide guidelines for concrete action in the area of trade. He was however optimistic that t he new policy would enhance industrial and agricultural production with increased employment and wealth for all Ghanaians and provide quality and boarder range of products for all Ghanaian consumers.