Trade Liberalisation Has Assumed A Disturbing Trend - Minister

Accra,(Greater Accra) 13 Oct. The Minister of Trade and Industry Dr. John Frank Abu today noted with concern that the government's trade liberalisation policy has assumed a disturbing trend which needs to be reversed. "It is clear that Ghana is still a nation of traders, rather than producers", he said, adding that people "are more pre-occupied with promoting the exports of other countries more than our own exports". The Minister was speaking at the launching of two new models of Nissan pick-up vehicles by Japan Motors Trading Company Limited. One of the vehicles, Nissan Hardboy, is produced in South Africa, while the other, Nissan D22 is produced in Japan. Dr. Abu stressed that the trend has compounded the country's balance of payment problems. He particularly urged the private sector to take advantage of the enabling environment of new investment laws to enhance local manufacturing. Dr. Abu congratulated Japan Motors but urged that the company and others "see to the possibility of reactivating former operational assembly plants in the country". These companies must also plan towards the setting up of factories to manufacture simple vehicle parts, he said. The Minister noted the thriving trade relationship between Ghana and South Africa, her leading trade partner in the Southern Africa region. Ghana's export to that country in 1996 was roughly 6.1 million dollars, fourth largest on the African continent outside the ECOWAS, he said. Dr. Abu urged motor firms to support the National Road Safety Committee and other agencies to evolve strategies to reduce vehicular pollutions and accidents. Welcoming his guests, Mr. Salem Kalmoni, Managing Director of Japan Motors said his company would open more branches in various parts of the country. Mr. Osamu Okuzumi, Managing Director of Nissan South Africa said Nissan considered Ghana as one of its most important country- customers. The Deputy South African High Commissioner in Ghana, Mr. Philip Railey noted the increasing trade relations between the two countries and hoped the new vehicles would be accepted on the Ghanaian market.