The Ashanti Regional Minister, Mr Simon Osei-Mensah, has underscored the need for the region to enter into an inter-regional relationship with the Guangxi Zhang Autonomous Region of China so that Ghana becomes a leading producer of rice.
The minister said Ghana has not been able to maximise its potential in rice production but this inter-regional relation could change this phenomenon and transform the country from rice importer to exporter.
The Regional Minister said this at a round table discussion with the Vice Governor of Guangxi Zhang Autonomous Region of China, H.E. Liao Pingu in Kumasi.
He said Ghana also has the chance to benefit from the rail industry through its cooperation with the Chinese city.
H.E. Guangxi on his part said Ghana has long-lasting diplomatic ties with China, particularly in trade, adding that the trade volumes between the two nations for the first half of 2024 alone were estimated at 180 million dollars.
He disclosed that the southern city of China, Guangxi, was currently the largest producer of sugar in the republic. “The area can also boast of some mineral deposits and industries engaged in the production of machinery for large scale-mining,” he said.
The Vice Governor noted that besides trade, agriculture, mining and industry, another important area of cooperation that the two regions could take advantage of was culture and tourism.
Mr Simon Osei-Mensah is expected to visit Guangxi Zhang Autonomous Region in October 2024 to sign a Memorandum of Understanding on areas of cooperation.
Bala Ali, ISD
