The Ministry of Trade and Industry has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the promotion of intra-Africa trade on the continent.

The Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry(GNCCI) , and the Burkina Faso Chamber of Commerce & Industry have launched the ‘Economic and Trade Promotion Days’.

The objective of the event is to promote the economic, trade and cultural sectors of Burkina Faso through exhibitions of Burkinabe products; conferences and business meetings in Ghana and vice versa.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, a Deputy Trade Minister, Nana Ama Dokua Asiamiah-Adjei advised foreigners working in Ghana to seek education on the country’s investment laws and obey the rules.

She pointed out that under the ten point industrialisation agenda is one key point which is the business regulatory reforms.

“We believe that for businesses to thrive in Ghana, our regulations do play a role in how far our business thrive”.

She announced that Ghana has reviewed and reduced the bureaucracy in acquiring business permits.

She however clarified that there are some businesses that are solely reserved for the preserve of Ghanaian nationals.

“These include; the selling in the retail market, petty trading, hawking. They are all reserved for nationals. Operating a taxi or car hire service is also reserved for Ghanaian nationals. All forms of lotteries or bet centres are reserved for Ghanaians,” she said.

Minister of Industrial Development, Trade and Handicrafts of Burkina Faso, Abdoulaye Tall, said he hopes the conference increases collaborations between both countries and create an avenue to build on the existing synergy.

“We have some integrated projects like the railway and road networks connecting both countries. There are also some Ghanaian investors prospecting in Burkina Faso. The only way we can improve is to collaborate to put our resources together,” he stated.

A memorandum of understanding was signed between the GNCCI and the Burkina Faso Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

This seeks to provide a platform for companies in both countries to network and partner.

President of GNCCI, Clement Osei Amoako, said, described the partnership as unique.

“Both countries trade in similar businesses so we can take advantage to increase both export and import of products and services. Also, we believe that Ghanaians can benefit from the agricultural expertise of Burkina Faso. We believe this is a step in ensuring intra-Africa trade under the Continental Free Trade Area.”

The event was themed “Strengthening economic and trade partnership between Burkina Faso and Ghana”.