YEF:Take advantage of EPA to access 450 million EU market – H.E. Razaaly tells entrepreneurs
Head of the European Union Delegation to Ghana, H.E. Irchad Razaaly, has urged entrepreneurs in the country to take advantage of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the EU and Ghana to access the 450 million European population.
Making the assertion at the 4th Edition of the GIPC’s Youth Entrepreneurs Forum, H.E. Razaaly averred the trade pact provides young and budding entrepreneurs in Ghana a great opportunity to access the European market.
“We must not forget the economic partnership agreement between the EU and Ghana which provides duty free and quota free access to the 450 million European market which presents great opportunities for the youth which are sitting here today,” he remarked.
According to H.E. Razaaly, the EU in view of its EPA with Ghana, is looking to increase its support to entrepreneurs and businesses to export more transformed and industrialised products to the EU market.
The EPA is a development-oriented free trade agreement that provides duty -free and quota-free access to all of Ghana’s exports, be it agricultural or manufactured goods to the EU market, while Ghana would gradually and partially liberalize imports from the EU.
Ghana, per the EPA began liberalizing its market for EU products by the first quarter of 2020, the liberalization schedule is expected to continue and be concluded by 2029.
Also speaking at the event, was Director of Investment Services at the GIPC, Edward Ashong Lartey, who noted youth employment and entrepreneurship are of significant concern to government, and the GIPC in its capacity as the country’s foremost investment agency is working with government and the appropriate authorities to deal with them.
Adding that, the Youth Entrepreneurs Forum (YEF) is one of the ways the Centre is using to help promote youth employment and entrepreneurship.
“At GIPC, we view entrepreneurship, youth development, job creation and economic growth as critical development objectives related to our mandate.
“To that end, we support all initiatives that boost competitiveness, increase trade, promote investment and entrepreneurship,” Mr Lartey stated.
Through mentorship, education and skill development, the GIPC’s YEF seeks to unlock and promote the entrepreneurial potential of Ghana’s promising youth.
The initiative forms part of efforts to develop a sustained avenue for captains of industry to interact with young entrepreneurs.
YEF also brings together like-minded entrepreneurs to exchange ideas, insights and success stories with the intention of entrepreneurs motivating one another and providing suggestions on how to succeed in their respective businesses.
