Economist and Professor of Finance at the University of Ghana Business School, Godfred Bokpin, has welcomed China’s introduction of a zero-tariff policy for African countries but cautioned that Ghana will only benefit if it enhances its export competitiveness.
Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Sunday, October 19, following President John Dramani Mahama’s bilateral discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing, Prof. Bokpin said the policy presents an opportunity that Ghana must actively prepare to seize.
“Ordinarily, this is good news. In whatever way you look at it, it’s good news,” he remarked. “But the potential advantages are still theoretical. Real benefits will only emerge through the hard work of our exporters.”
The zero-tariff policy, which was among the key issues discussed during President Mahama’s visit to China for the Global Leaders’ Meeting on Women, aims to deepen trade and cooperation between China and African nations by removing tariffs on selected African exports.
While acknowledging the policy’s potential, Prof. Bokpin emphasized that Ghana must address structural weaknesses in its export sector to fully capitalize on the opportunity.
“When we talk about our exporters, we’re really talking about the competitive advantage we must build,” he explained. “Only by strengthening that advantage can our exporters truly benefit from such zero-tariff arrangements.”
He reiterated that without strategic investment, innovation, and efficiency in production, Ghana risks missing out on the tangible economic gains that China’s trade policy could offer.
Illegal Mining Threatens Ghana’s Economy, Could Cripple Key Sectors – Ghana Water MD Warns
Source:Africa Publicity
