Prime Minister of Japan is in Africa and made his round to Ghana with some public business to express. But it seems to be out-of-obligation (G8 agreement) instead of sincere concern to improve unfair trade practice. But its happening so,

JAPAN TO MARKET GHANA’S SHEABUTTER


The delegation that accompanied the Japanese Prime Minister to Ghana says it had identified a ready market for shea butter in Japan, the world’s second largest market.

Shea butter is one of Ghana’s non-traditional export commodities and is one product the Japanese market is waiting for.

Akira Chiba, a member of delegation from the Japanese Foreign Ministry, told newsmen that shea butter has been identified as one economic activity capable of contributing to the reduction of poverty in Ghana, especially in the northern part of the country.

He however hinted that the non-traditional produce ought to be refined or processed to meet the taste of the Japanese people.

Mr. Akira Chiba explained that the product was one of the country’s competitive advantages as the two countries discussed many burning issues affecting the survival of both parties centered on bilateral agreement and economic ties.

According to him, Shea butter is one product that the Japanese people are waiting to patronize from Ghana since it has been recognized as an ingredient in the production of soap, butter and pomade for healthier skin.

He also identified Ghanaian chocolate as another product that could shake the Japanese market especially if it was made to meet the standard and taste of the Japanese people.

Mr. Chiba however, cautioned that the Japanese market was not open for just any product from any country except it was to the taste of the Japanese people and meets the international standards of quality goods and services.

The delegation was in the country for a three-day visit as part of planned visit to selected countries in Africa to lobby support for a permanent seat at UN Security Council.

Mr. Chiba was hesitant at to whether Africa and for that matter Ghana could meet the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

He held that the MDGs were ambitious targets that could only be met depending if a country focused on implementing its developmental policies and programmes.

He assured, however, that Japan would continue to support countries like Ghana to improvement upon their development paths as demonstrated in Japan’s new development initiative for trade. These relate to products, Selling, and Buying.

The methods employed in the achievement of these policies include Knowledge and technology through technical co-operation, information exchange among farmers and use of private-sector knowledge.

Others are Financial Assistance, concessionary loans for infrastructure and grants and acceptance of trainees.

Also, systems via preferential tariffs, trade and investment insurance and coordinating with integrated framework in close consultation and assistance from developing countries are considered.


Andrew Awonnore

what a pity and I thought africa had stopped being raped

how is this instance "rape"?

just curious?