Trinidad and Tobago Strengthens Ties with Ghana

Paula Gopee-Scoon, Minister of Trade and Industry, met with a delegation of Ghanaian officials to explore T&T’s desire in strengthening its business, trade, investment, and travel connections with Ghana.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Minister Gopee-Scoon was pleased with the two nations’ expanding good ties.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Growth Prospects

A summary of Trinidad and Tobago’s growth prospects was also provided by her, highlighting the country’s energy, non-energy, and agricultural sectors.

Gopee-Scoon noted, “We recognize our shared history, connections, and similarities, and the opportunities for enhancing our relationship are huge. Once we get the connectivity issue addressed, we expect you will be here several times a year. We are an open door and we want to continue doing business with you.”

Commercial Relationship Between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago

The Ministry pointed out that Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago have a good commercial relationship that has improved over the last ten years.

Exports from Trinidad and Tobago to Ghana

Energy and non-energy products like liquefied butanes, mechanical appliances, and medium oils were among Trinidad and Tobago’s top exports to Ghana in 2022. In 2023, the nation’s top exports to Ghana consisted of non-energy items like clothing, manioc (cassava) flour and meal products, and parts for electrical meters, surveying instruments, and other machinery equipment.

Imports from Ghana to Trinidad and Tobago

During 2022, the most popular items that Trinidad and Tobago imported from Ghana were mostly non-energy items, such as cocoa butter, vulcanized rubber tubes, machine components, and specific professional clothing and makeup.

In 2023, Ghana’s major imports into the nation comprised cotton clothing for men and women, textiles, musical instruments, basketry and wickerwork, and cosmetics.

Ghanaian Delegation

The 13-member Ghanaian delegation included: Trinidad and Tobago Honorary Consul to Ghana, Hilton John Mitchell; Managing Director of Prudential Bank Ghana Limited, Benard Gyebi; Business Development & Digital Transformation Banker, Frank Afari Ankama; Co-founder of the Ghana-Trinidad and Tobago Business Chamber, Victor Owusu; Managing Partner of Phoenix Africa Capital Management, Michael Darko; Managing Partner of Agbenoto and Associates, Mawuena Agbenoto; Country Manager of CAGL Oilfields, Awal Karim; Director of Operations at Consolidated Bank Ghana, Samuel Barketey; Managing Director of Donkor Insurance Agency, USA, Yaw Donkor; General Counsel and Business Executive in Oil & Gas/Energy Regulation, Kwame Bona Siriboe; Independent Management Consultant and Advisor, Dr. George Addo; CEO of Medpharma Alliance International Limited, Yaw Asamoah; and Superintendent Karim Atulik of the Ghana Police Service, Head of Operations in the Western Region.

The Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) President, Roger Roach, escorted them on their visit to the Ministry.

Conclusion

The meeting between Minister Gopee-Scoon and the Ghanaian delegation marks a significant step towards strengthening the commercial relationship between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago. With the two nations’ shared history and connections, the opportunities for enhancing their relationship are vast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What was the purpose of the meeting between Minister Gopee-Scoon and the Ghanaian delegation?

A: The meeting was to explore T&T’s desire in strengthening its business, trade, investment, and travel connections with Ghana.

Q: What are some of the top exports from Trinidad and Tobago to Ghana?

A: Energy and non-energy products like liquefied butanes, mechanical appliances, and medium oils were among Trinidad and Tobago’s top exports to Ghana in 2022. In 2023, the nation’s top exports to Ghana consisted of non-energy items like clothing, manioc (cassava) flour and meal products, and parts for electrical meters, surveying instruments, and other machinery equipment.

Q: Who were some of the members of the Ghanaian delegation?

A: The 13-member Ghanaian delegation included Trinidad and Tobago Honorary Consul to Ghana, Hilton John Mitchell, and other high-ranking officials from various industries.