Ghana has established diplomatic relations with Madagascar and Saint Lucia through signed communiques during the UN General Assembly. The country also reached an investment agreement with Trinidad and Tobago aimed at boosting bilateral trade. Discussions included intra-African trade benefits, with Madagascar set to join the AfCFTA next month.
Ghana has officially established diplomatic relations with the countries of Madagascar and Saint Lucia by signing two communiques during the recent United Nations General Assembly. The agreements were executed by Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Ms. Shirley Botchwey, alongside her counterparts from Madagascar, Ms. Rasata Rafaravavitafika, and from Saint Lucia, Mr. Alva Baptiste. During their interactions, particularly with Ms. Rafaravavitafika, discussions were held concerning the potential benefits of intra-African trade. It was noted that Madagascar plans to endorse the African Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) agreement next month, a pact to which Ghana was an early signatory and one that is hosted by the country in its capital, Accra. In addition to these diplomatic maneuvers, Ms. Botchwey and Dr. Amery Browne, the Foreign Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, finalized an Agreement on the Reciprocal Promotion and Protection of Investment (ARPPI). This accord aims to enhance bilateral trade by fostering economic cooperation, safeguarding investors’ rights, and thwarting unlawful expropriation. Although current trade between Ghana and Trinidad and Tobago is modest, the presence of the Republic Bank from Trinidad and Tobago, which is operating in Ghana, underscores economic ties between the two nations. The discussions also spanned forthcoming international engagements, particularly the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled to occur in Samoa in a month. Ms. Botchwey is viewed as a strong candidate for the position of Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, succeeding Baroness Patricia Scotland of Dominica. Furthermore, Ms. Botchwey engaged in preliminary discussions with Lord Collins, British Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, as well as with Mr. Joseph Andall, the Foreign Minister of Grenada, highlighting Ghana’s active diplomatic outreach.
The announcement of diplomatic relations between Ghana, Madagascar, and Saint Lucia signals a significant enhancement of Ghana’s foreign relations, particularly in the realm of African cooperation. The establishment of these diplomatic ties forms part of a broader strategy to bolster intra-African trade and foster economic relationships between African and Caribbean nations. Ghana’s role as a host of the AfCFTA secretariat underlines its position as a pivotal player in facilitating trade agreements across the continent. The reciprocal investment agreement with Trinidad and Tobago further emphasizes Ghana’s commitment to creating a favorable environment for foreign investments, demonstrating an eagerness to engage in more multifaceted economic interactions beyond its borders.
In conclusion, Ghana’s recent signing of diplomatic relations with Madagascar and Saint Lucia, along with the investment agreement with Trinidad and Tobago, represents a proactive step towards enhancing global partnerships. These developments not only aim to improve trade relations and economic cooperation but also position Ghana favorably within the African and Caribbean diplomatic landscape. The anticipated steps towards the AfCFTA agreement’s implementation by Madagascar further emphasize the momentum of intra-African trade, while Ms. Botchwey’s candidacy for the Commonwealth Secretary-General role highlights Ghana’s increasing influence on the international stage.
Original Source: www.modernghana.com
