Govt praise for trade pioneer

Communication remains biggest challenge

Ghana's ambassador to China has singled out the efforts of a Ghanaian importing firm as an example of how the relationship between the two countries is gradually shifting from being just about buying and selling, to permanent investment.

Able Imports and Exports Trading Company, of Ghana, is thriving in Beijing after recently celebrating a decade in the country.

Founded in 2003, Able is a solely foreign-invested company, and is based in Tianjin Free Trade Zone.

It also represents export manufacturer Zoomlion Ghana Limited and the Jospong Group of Companies in China, exports machinery and offers warehousing, shipping and other services to customers worldwide.

Ghana's ambassador to China, Anani Akuminyi Demuyakor, lauded the company for working hard to bring development to a number of African countries.

There are few Ghanaians in China, but they are making a big impact by engaging in business and promoting the China-Ghana relationship, he said. The highest barrier to trade relations between the two is communications, he added.

"I hope to come out with a program or strategy within my tenure of office that will help bridge the language barrier and enhance trade relations between both countries."

On the issue of foreigners engaging in retailing in Ghana, Demuyakor asked Ghanaians to desist from the habit of acting as fronts for foreign nationals.

He urged businesses to emulate Able Imports and Exports and expand their businesses to other countries to attract foreign investment and improve relationships between Ghana and the world.

The company estimates that it has exported $485 million worth of goods over the past 10 years. It says it has also completed projects worth more than $368 million worth of projects in Ghana and other African countries.

(China Daily Africa Weekly 09/12/2014 page3)