Ato Forson urges shift from raw exports to value-added trade with China

Finance Minister Dr Cassiel Ato Forson has called for Ghana to transition its trade relationship with China from raw material exports to value-added goods. He made this plea during the opening of the Fifth Session of the Ghana–China Joint Commission on Economic, Trade and Technical Cooperation. While acknowledging China's status as Ghana's largest trading partner, Dr Forson stressed that the trade structure needs enhancement to ensure Ghana gains more value from its exports.

He emphasized that Ghana's main objective is to process more of its raw materials locally and to boost exports of value-added products, particularly cocoa, to China. Dr Forson further stated that Ghana is seeking investments that will bolster local production and generate sustainable job opportunities. He stressed that China's economic partnership with Ghana should transcend mere trade volumes, translating into concrete opportunities for local businesses, workers, and the broader economy.

Dr Forson underscored that a greater emphasis on value addition would enable Ghana to retain more economic value from its natural resources, thereby strengthening domestic production and industrial capabilities. In response, China's Assistant Minister for Commerce, Zhang Li, praised Ghana for recent economic improvements. He reiterated China's dedication to intensifying economic and commercial collaboration with Ghana.

Zhang also expressed readiness to back the government's Big Push Programme and other initiatives aimed at accelerating Ghana's economic growth.