Ghana has made a special appeal to the Government of China for greater preferential access for Ghanaian export products and services into the Chinese market.

Mr Edwin Nii Lantey Vanderpuye, Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, who made the appeal, said Ghana was desirous of increasing its export presence in the Chinese market.

“As a nation, we know China may have some conditions relating to importation of products. With Ghana’s presence at this fair, we wish to make a strong statement regarding our desire to increase our export presence on the Chinese market,” he said, during a special event to mark Ghana's day at the on-going 6th China Yiwu International Forest Products Fair.

He said Ghana believes that it was about time that smaller countries also began to make some impact on the Chinese market, the biggest in the world. He said Ghana offered many good-quality products such as cocoa products, shea butter, medicinal plants and parts, straw products, and many more that can be of benefit to the Chinese market.

“It is therefore our expectation that we will enjoy good patronage and also the support of the relevant Chinese Ministries and agencies in the pursuit of our export objectives as far as the Chinese market is concerned,” Mr Vanderpuye added. On Ghana’s participation in the fair, Mr Vanderpuye said it was historic to bring together many exporters, business people and government officials from Ghana to participate.

He lauded the Yiwu Municipal Foreign Office for making it possible for Ghana to join the rest of the world on the global stage to showcase varieties of Made-in-Ghana products and share ideas on current trends in the industry.

“We register our heartfelt gratitude to you for your readiness to open your markets for our products,” Mr Vanderpuye said, adding that Ghana was optimistic of increasing her participation in many more shows in future.

He urged Ghanaian exporters not to lose sight of the fact that developing countries are a key part of the global supply chain. In this direction, therefore, the country’s products and services must fit seamlessly into the global supply chain in terms of time, quality and quantity.

“This is both a challenge and an opportunity for Ghanaian producers and exporters which must not be overlooked. I am optimistic that we will be able to attract more investors and with it, newer technologies that will support our efforts at adding value to our primary commodities,” he said.

“We participate in this important fair, believing that it will not only re-enforce and enhance our trade relations, but also serve as a conduit for receiving more Chinese investments into Ghana,” Mr Vanderpuye said.

Mr Gideon Quarcoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Export Promotion Authority, said through its participation in the fair, Ghana seeks to deepen her trade engagements with China.

He said Ghana is seeking Chinese investments and partnerships to develop products, as well as expose Ghanaian entrepreneurs to innovative packaging for the market. Mr Yang Youping, Deputy Director General, Zhejiang Provincial Department of Forestry, said China attaches great importance to economic and trade cooperation and exchanges in Africa.

The China-Yiwu International Forest Products Fair being held from November 1 to 4 in Yiwu, Zhejiang province, China, is on the theme: “Innovation-driven, low carbon-led. Ghana Export Promotion Authority under the auspices of the Ministry of Trade and Industry is collaborating with the Ghana China Friendship Association (GHACHIFA) to co-ordinate the participation of over 40 Ghanaian entrepreneurs and institutions in the Fair.