Ghana’s Ambassador to China, Edward Boateng, has asked Ghanaian traders who wish to import from China to liaise with the Embassy to connect them to the Chinese Chamber of Commerce.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ghana Union of Traders Association, GUTA, whose members depend heavily on Chinese imports, have complained about possible shortage of goods, and even warned that prices of goods could go up.

This is because they’re unable to travel to China, and are also struggling to receive goods from that country.

As at 2018, trade between Ghana and China stood at US$7.3 billion, making Ghana the 7th largest trading partner of China in Africa that year.

Speaking to Citi Business News, Mr. Boateng said although China is recovering from the shock of the virus, it is still not prudent for traders to travel there.

He explained that the practice of dealing with embassies has been the most effective process for all trading partners of China since the COVID-19 broke out.

He said China as a manufacturing powerhouse can help countries across the world meet their imports during emergencies when goods are in short supply from Europe due to a lock down by several countries.

“What we are trying to do is to mitigate the shortages in Ghana by acting as a conduit for some of our traders. We are working with some of the Chamber of Commerce in some of the various provinces. So if people want to order, they don’t have to come to China,” he added.

Mr. Boateng explained that the situation is even much easier if importers who have their own suppliers they deal with in China.

“If you have your own supply chain in process already, you can contact the Embassy; we will work with the local chamber of commerce to ensure that they can pay on your behalf once you pay them the money and make sure that you get the quality of goods that you want”he assured.

He however warned that the process could take some time since production in China has dropped due to the spread of the coronavirus.

“Many countries are also doing same; so we must understand that if you order for goods it may take some time” he added.

The world has recorded over 335,000 cases with over 14,000 cases. Ghana has recorded 24 cases with one death so far.

Source: Citibusinessnews.com