Okonjo-Iweala on multilateral trade campaign in Ghana, others

As part of efforts to underscore the World Trade Organisations’ (WTO) commitment to further reinforce its support to trade in Sub-Saharan Africa, its Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, will be on official visit to Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire and Kenya.

The visits, which kicked off, yesterday, and will run to May 4, will see her meeting leaders, policymakers and representatives from the private sector and civil society.

In Côte d’Ivoire, she will meet with President Alassane Ouattara and members of the government, and also take part in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Ministerial Round Table on the theme, “Implementation of the results of the 12th WTO Ministerial Conference, and success for MC13 — the role of ECOWAS WTO member countries.”

“Africa is a vital part of the membership of the WTO and I look forward to strengthening our partnership with countries in the region. African economies have taken major steps towards economic integration over the last few years at a time when the global trade landscape is changing rapidly. We must make sure we all work together to help our African members take advantage of the opportunities offered by re-globalisation,” she said.

In Accra, she will hold a series of meetings with Ghanaian authorities and meet with President Nana Akufo-Addo. She will also take part in a public discussion on “Making Globalisation Work for Africa”, organised by the Institute of Economic Affairs. She will also hear from representatives from the private sector and civil society organisations.

In Kenya, she will attend the biannual UN Secretary General’s Chief Executives Board Meeting of UN and UN-affiliated agencies. She will also seize the opportunity to meet with the Kenyan Government.