Business News of Saturday, 14 April 2018

Source: Solomon Anderson

Ghana ports trade community embark on a mission to woo Niger economic operators

Peter Mac Manu captured in a photograph with some ministers of Niger Peter Mac Manu captured in a photograph with some ministers of Niger

Ghana’s port community and trade delegation as part of their trade mission to Niger also engaged state institutions like the Ministries of Trade, Industries and Transport, the Department of Agriculture, Niger Shippers Council and Niger Chamber of Commerce among others.

At the Ministry for Industry, the head of the delegation, Peter Mac Manu assured the sector Minister that Ghana’s Port Authority will ensure that the businesses of economic operators in Niger flourish.

“The port itself in Tema and Takoradi have modern equipment, machinery and technology to make a quicker turnaround so that when the goods arrive, they do not waste time at the port. They are able to take it out, secure it in a warehouse and then transport it in bits to Niger. This is very important, Ghana has the facility for that compared to other West African countries,” the Board Chairman of GPHA, Peter Mac Manu said.

Mallam Zeidu Amiru, the Minister for Industry in Niger said the economic operators in Niger are facing difficulties using some other neighbouring ports and that since Ghana’s Ports offer a better alternative with reduced taxes and faster clearance, his ministry will encourage economic operators to turn to Ghana’s Ports and Corridors.

At the Ministry of Transport, Alhaji Mohammed Jalo, Chief of Staff, Ministry of Transport suggested that Ghana and Niger put together a MoU on operations of their businesses to facilitate the transit of goods from Ghana’s corridors to Niger.

The Minister of Commerce of Niger lauded all efforts made by Ghana’s Ports to demonstrate that it is committed to helping trade in Niger and assured that he will partner with his colleague Minister of Industry to help grow the Trade between Ghana and Niger.

“We are very sure that everybody will go towards Ghana”, he said.
Other agencies assured the Ghanaian delegation that the visit has been timely and appreciatedGhana’s hospitality and respect for the people of Niger.