Ghana, Houston trade volumes expected to inch up as Trade Min. & Mayor of Houston explore bilateral trade
The Mayor of Houston, a city in the United States of America (USA), Sylvester Turner has said Ghana and the USA could work to increase its trade volumes from US$293m recorded last year.
Mr. Turner who led a 30-man delegation to the country to discover investment opportunities and deepen relationships between his city and the country indicated that trade volumes between the city of Houston alone and Ghana last year stood at US$293m.
Speaking during a visit to the Ministry of Trade and Industry in Accra on Monday, Mr.Turner said they want to come up with “specific action items” which would enhance the success of the mutual relationship, and as a result of that plans are advanced to put forward and build small working groups between Ghana and the City of Houston to explore areas of interest – healthcare, energy, innovation, exchange programmes.
Further, he added “we are excited about the collaboration and we look forward to working with Ghana and specifically the trade ministry. When it comes to trade, I would say last year the amount of trade between Ghana and Houston was US$293m -that may seem like a large number but it can exponentially be greater and it can happen by us working closer in building this relationship.” he said.
On the part of the Minister of Trade and Industry, Kobina Tahir Hammond, he mentioned that the country seeks to further strengthen Ghana’s position in the global market and foster economic growth and opportunities, “it is imperative to explore and deepen our partnership relations with strategic international partners through trade and private enterprises.”
He highlighted the significant potentials for collaboration between Ghana and the esteemed Mayor of Houston, Texas, for the mutual benefit of the two nations in critical sectors like Economic Hub, Health Care, Services, Oil and Gas, among others.
He stated that Houston is a major economic hub, not only for the United States but also for international trade and commerce. “By forging a stronger partnership with Houston, Ghana can tap into their well-established infrastructure, logistics capabilities, and access to a vast network of businesses, providing Ghanaian exporters with enhanced avenues for reaching global markets.”
Hon K T Hammond encouraged the establishment of a direct flight between Ghana, Nigeria and Houston, stressing that Houston is emerging as an important Tech Hub in the United States and other industries.
Ghana can tap into to facilitate technology transfer and knowledge-sharing. Houston is a hub of innovation, with cutting-edge research and development centers. Our collaboration will enable Ghana to benefit from Houston’s advancements in various industries, including agriculture, healthcare, technology and renewable energy, by fostering knowledge-sharing programs and facilitating technology transfer, we can accelerate Ghana’s progress and spur economic diversification.
He also disclosed that the upcoming World Cup in 2026 in Houston presents more opportunities for Ghana for trade and investment partnerships. Houston boasts a diverse and dynamic business community, comprising industries such as energy, technology, healthcare, and aerospace.
By building stronger ties, we open up opportunities for Ghanaian entrepreneurs and businesses to attract foreign direct investment, establish joint ventures, and participate in mutually beneficial trade ventures.
He stated that the Ghanaian diaspora residing in Houston represents a valuable resource. By engaging with them and creating platforms for collaboration, we can leverage their expertise, networks, and resources to further drive economic growth and foster partnerships between our countries.
The Minister stressed that Ghana offers an attractive investment landscape, and by showcasing our nation’s investment potential, we can encourage Houstonian businesses to invest in Ghana, stimulating economic growth in both regions.
