Accra, Nov. 20, GNA - Government is developing a National Export Strategy with the objective to increase the country's export competitiveness, and to improve the regulatory framework for export business.

Ms Hannah Tetteh, Minister of Trade and Industry, who made this known in Accra said a consultant has been engaged to develop the strategy and that the Ministry is currently studying an inception report on the project. The Minister was speaking at the 20th National Awards for Export Achievement, which aims at stimulating the growth of non-traditional exports and to cushion the economy against the volatility of earnings from Gold, Cocoa and timber.

Ms Tetteh said to address the concerns of food importers to the European Union, government is undertaken a review in order to strengthen the regulatory framework for food export. She said the review together with the National Traceability programme being implemented by the Ghana Export Promotion Council would greatly support exporters and producers to supply large supermarkets in the EU and other western markets.

Additional efforts are being made to address the supply-side constraints and poor quality which exporters and producers face and the establishment of a Ghana International Trade Commission by 2013. The Minister urged exporters to repatriate their earnings back home to support the economy.

Mr Kwadwo Owusu Agyeman, Chief Executive Officer, Ghana Export Promotion Council, said trade barriers and tariffs within the sub-region are posing a great challenge to the survival of the export sector. Besides, supply base problems due to lack of plantation farms to supply large quantities from a single source and the absence of an export clearing house where products can be gathered from different sources remain big challenges. Mr Agyeman called for the institutionalisation of the National Awards for Export Achievement to the level of other national awards such as the farmer's day.

He said the move is necessary to fulfil the objectives for the establishment of the awards and to provide motivation, interest and support for the growth of the economy. Exporters who distinguished themselves in their export business in 2009 were honoured with Praise Export Services being adjudged the most diversified export company, while ERNIMICH Limited emerged the Woman Exporter of the Year.

Cocoa Processing Company was adjudged the exporter of the year. The Export award was held on the theme: "Providing Motivation for Competitive and Sustainable Excellence for Exports." 20 Nov. 10