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ACCRA, Jan 21 (NNN-GNA) — The outgoing Chinese Ambassador to Ghana, Tong Defa has disclosed that bilateral trade between Ghana and China has reached an unprecedented US$15 billion, underscoring the strength of economic ties between the two countries.
Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang shared the news on her X page on Tuesday, following a farewell meeting with Ambassador Tong at the end of his tenure.
“During our meeting, the Ambassador highlighted the fact that bilateral trade between Ghana and China has reached an unprecedented US$15 billion,” the vice president said.
Professor Opoku-Agyemang thanked Ambassador Tong for his contributions to strengthening Ghana-China relations, including his role in the 0-tariff agreement and securing grants for the construction of the Aflao Market and the Catholic Science and Technology University in Damongo.
“I encouraged Tong Defa to carry Ghana with him during the next stage of his journey, and I reaffirmed Ghana’s strong interest in expanding both our trade relations and our people-to-people ties,” she stated.
Prof Opoku-Agyemang also expressed appreciation for the warm hospitality extended to President John Dramani Mahama during his recent visit to China, where a new blueprint for future bilateral engagements was drawn.
“In a world that is changing rapidly, it is important to continuously review and strengthen partnerships that are mutually beneficial,” Professor Opoku-Agyemang said.
She expressed optimism about continued strong cooperation with the incoming Chinese envoy.
“I look forward to welcoming the incoming Ambassador and continuing the strong cooperation between Ghana and China, as we work together to advance the shared interests of our two countries,” she added.
Meanwhile, Ghana and China have signed a US$30 million grant agreement to support the construction of a university in Damongo.
The agreement was signed during a meeting between the Minister for Finance, Dr Cassiel Ato Forson, and Tong Defa.
In a Facebook post on Jan 20, Dr Forson noted that although Tong’s tenure was brief, it coincided with the conclusion of two significant grant agreements for Ghana.
The funding for a multipurpose market in Aflao and the US$30 million grant for the construction of the university in Damongo.
He further highlighted the broader contribution of Chinese support and investment to Ghana’s economy, reaffirming that Ghana deeply values its longstanding relationship with China, which dates back to the era of President Kwame Nkrumah and Chairman Mao.
Dr Forson underscored the need to deepen economic cooperation by reducing exchange losses associated with bilateral trade.
He indicated Ghana’s interest in exploring trade settlements in the Ghanaian cedi and the Chinese currency (RMB), noting that reliance on third-party currencies is inefficient when trade is conducted directly between Ghana and China. — NNN-GNA