The Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, has referred to the launch of negotiations between Ghana and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as a bold and strategic milestone that reflects the growing economic partnership between the two nations.
The Minister made this statement at the official launch of the first round of negotiations toward a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
She noted that the proposed agreement would go far beyond the scope of traditional trade arrangements, aiming to deepen cooperation across a broad range of sectors.
“The agreement aligns perfectly with Ghana’s economic transformation agenda, supporting industrial development, export diversification, and the creation of sustainable jobs for youth and women entrepreneurs,” she said.
She added that the CEPA is designed to foster growth in goods and services, investment flows, digital commerce, innovation, industrialisation and sustainable economic development between the two countries.
The Minister drew attention to Ghana’s position as the host of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, stressing that the CEPA negotiations present a strategic opportunity to consolidate the country’s standing as a premier trade and investment destination on the African continent.
Speaking on behalf of the United Arab Emirates, Dr Thani Al Zeyoudi, the Minister for Foreign Trade, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to deepening trade and investment ties with Ghana.
He called on negotiators from both sides to make substantive progress during the three-day session, with particular focus on legal and institutional frameworks, trade facilitation, rules of origin and customs procedures.
Adwoa Koramah Anokye-Gyimah, ISD
