Ghana seeks jute ties

Ghana and West Bengal could possibly collaborate in areas of raw jute and tourism to strenthen bi lateral ties, claimed the high commissioner of Ghana in India, J Bentum Williams, on the inauguration of the consulate office of Ghana in Kolkata, on Wednesday.

Speaking on the sidelines of appointing D P Tantia, chairman of the GPT Group, as consul for Ghana in West Bengal, Williams pointed out, that the state of Bengal enjoyed supply of raw jute for jute sacks used for for packaging of premium cocoa, ghana’s main export.

Ghana and India could collaborate in areas of engineering goods, steel, agriculture, tourism and sports too, and West Bengal could claim its share.

Ghana hopes to achieve around $1 billion bilateral trade within 2010-12 from $947.62 million in 2007-08. Williams stated Ghana and India could co operate in the oil sector as both nations had potential oil resources.

"I feel private sector players can co operate in the fishing industry since the warm Atlantic water provides good sea fish which could be used here," he added.

Ghana could benefit from Indian technological and logistics support, added Williams.

On an average around 100 visas were issued per month by Ghana consulates in India.

D P Tantia said, "I look forward to exploring the potential of Kolkata and what it can contribute in terms of business."