Government has signed an agreement worth 34 million Euros with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the European Union to boost the country’s industrial development, trade and exports.
The agreement will enable Ghana benefit from the UNIDO’s new Country Program for Ghana and the EU’s West Africa Competitiveness Programme.
The Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen signed the agreement on behalf of government.
The European Union is giving the country 6,350,000 euros while the United Nations Industrial Development Organization, (UNIDO)’s is supporting Ghana’s industrial drive with 27,820,000 euros.
Speaking at a ceremony to sign the agreements, Trade Minister, Alan Kyerematen said government has already began the implementation of a Country Program to create more jobs.
“The development experience of most of the matured economies in the world points unequivocally to one thing that there are many ways in creating jobs, that if you are looking for the answer to sustainable job creation the answer is industrialization,” he stated at a ceremony to sign the agreements.
The two-programmes are expected to be implemented within three years from 2019 to 2022.
On his part, Director General of UNIDO, Li Yong who is in the country for a two day working visit expressed optimism government will use the resources to boost other sectors including energy.
“The country programme will cover four strong areas including agro industry, environment, energy and capacity building. This is to support government vision for Ghana Beyond Aid,” Mr. Yong stated.
“This partnership is important because it will make it possible for industries that are into Agribusiness become more competitive,” European Union Ambassador to Ghana Diana Acconcia also said in an interview.
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By Nana Oye Ankrah/Citibusinessnews.com/Ghana.