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See also:
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This third Trade Policy Review of Ghana has allowed us to
significantly improve our understanding of its trade and related
policies, and their development since its previous Review in 2001. Our
discussions have greatly benefited from the participation of Mr. Kwaku
Agyemang-Manu, Deputy-Minister of Trade, Industry, Private Sector
Development, and Presidential Special Initiatives, and his delegation.
Our thanks are also due to our discussant, Ambassador Arsene Balihuta,
for his insightful and stimulating contribution, and the engagement of
many delegations.
Members commended Ghana on its impressive economic performance over
the past few years, with high real GDP growth rates, decreasing
inflation, improved fiscal situation, and substantial progress in
poverty reduction. The strong growth of Ghana's economy has been
supported by trade liberalization through, inter alia, reduction of
tariff rates and the number of bands as well as the streamlining of
customs procedures. Ghana participates in the Economic Community of
West African States (ECOWAS), enjoys non-reciprocal trade preferences
from various trading partners, and is finalizing its negotiations on
an Economic Partnership Agreement with the EC.
Members welcomed Ghana's commitment to the WTO, including the DDA
negotiations, but encouraged it to increase its notifications under
various WTO Agreements. They indicated that extending the scope of
tariff binding commitments, reducing bound rates, and further reducing
applied tariffs would contribute to better resource allocation.
Concerns were raised on the application of various other duties and
charges on products on which they have been bound at zero. Members
noted Ghana's generally liberal investment regime, but asked for
information about the few remaining restrictions. Some Members also
encouraged Ghana to adopt a competition policy and to reduce the role
of state-owned enterprises.
Members appreciated Ghana's policy objective of increasing its
regional and global integration, and strengthening and diversifying
its export base. Further information was sought on development plans
for the agriculture and manufacturing sectors and the administration
of the new mining regime. Some Members also requested clarification on
the import restrictions maintained by Ghana, including prohibitions on
SPS and TBT grounds. Other issues of interest to Members included
customs procedures and valuation; currency conversion and surrender
requirements; export promotion and subsidies; incentive schemes,
including fuel subsidies; government procurement; protection of
intellectual property rights; and services, including GATS
commitments, financial services, telecoms, transport, and tourism.
Members appreciated the responses provided by the Ghanaian delegation,
and look forward to receiving written answers to any outstanding
questions.
In conclusion, Members congratulated Ghana on the positive economic
results it has achieved during the last few years. They encouraged
Ghana to pursue its reforms, including of its trade regime, and to
improve its multilateral commitments on goods and services, with a
view to enhancing the transparency and predictability of the regime,
and adherence to WTO principles. Members could help by keeping their
markets open for products and services of interest to Ghana, and by
providing technical assistance.
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