Ghana suggests cocoa processing to Belarus

MINSK, 4 March (BelTA) – Ghana has suggested the possibility of setting up processing facilities in its territory to Belarus. The possibilities were discussed as Belarusian Minister of Foreign Affairs Maxim Ryzhenkov met with Ghanaian Minister of Trade, Agribusiness, and Industry Elizabeth Ofosu-Adjare, the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs told BelTA.

The parties discussed stepping up economic cooperation and the implementation of projects in the field of agriculture mechanization and food security.

“Belarus is interested in importing Ghanaian fruits, nuts, vegetables, and cocoa beans as well as in promoting industrial cooperation taking into account Belarus’ membership in the Eurasian Economic Union. Ghana suggested considering the possibility of setting up processing facilities in its own territory, in particular, facilities for cocoa processing,” the press service of the Belarusian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The minister of trade, agribusiness, and industry underlined the importance of preparing a comprehensive package of agreements ahead of the upcoming visit of the Ghana president to Belarus, including documents on avoiding double taxation, on protecting investments, and on customs cooperation.

An agreement was reached on preparing a list of Ghanaian companies for participation in a business forum in Minsk.

During a meeting with Deputy Minister of Food and Agriculture of Ghana John Dumelo the parties looked into matters of food security and agrarian cooperation in detail.

“The Belarusian side presented the potential of its agribusiness complex: possibilities for shipping milk powder and poultry meat, for buying Ghanaian cocoa beans via direct contracts, possibilities of cooperation in animal husbandry and crop farming, including shipments of pedigree materials, combined feed, and veterinary drugs,” the press service said.

The deputy minister of food and agriculture of Ghana emphasized the importance of developing a chain of hubs for agriculture mechanization: there are plans to open 12 hubs like that this year. The Ghanaian side stressed the need to adjust Belarusian machines, vehicles, and equipment to the local conditions as well as the development of irrigation and enabling the capability to store harvested crops in cold storage.

The parties also discussed at length the agrarian training of Ghanaian specialists at premises of Belarusian specialized education institutions. Maxim Ryzhenkov also invited the Ghanaian delegation to visit the Belagro expo.

As a result of the meeting the parties confirmed the readiness to implement the sketched out plans in practice.