The Ghana Free Zones Authority (GFZA) has intensified its international investment drive by promoting Ghana’s Free Zones Programme at a high-level Quality Foreign Trade Matchmaking Side Event held on the sidelines of the 4th China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo in Changsha, China.
The event brought together a cross-section of African and Chinese entrepreneurs, trade experts, and government officials in a focused effort to deepen economic collaboration and boost market access.
“Organised by the Trade Development Bureau of the Ministry of Commerce of the People’s Republic of China, the event received institutional backing from the Hunan GBA Economic and Trade Exchange Promotion Association and the Sand-Stone Association”
Ghana Free Zones Authority
The gathering provided a dedicated platform for trade exchange, business matchmaking, and investment prospecting between Chinese firms and African economies.
The Ghana Free Zones Authority was represented by Dr. Mary Awusi, who actively positioned Ghana’s Free Zones as a “competitive and high-potential gateway for Chinese investors” seeking to establish export-oriented operations in West Africa.
In her address, Dr. Awusi underscored Ghana’s strategic geographical location, investor-friendly climate, and the robust incentive structures embedded in the Free Zones Programme.
She told participants during her presentation that the Free Zones Programme offers a range of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, including 100% exemption from the payment of duties and levies on imports for production, and the ability to repatriate profits in full.
The CEO further invited Chinese businesses to explore Ghana as a “launchpad” into the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and beyond.
Her remarks echoed Ghana’s long-standing commitment to positioning itself as a competitive trade and investment destination.
President John Dramani Mahama has repeatedly stated his administration’s goal of boosting Ghana’s non-traditional exports, strengthening industrial value chains, and enhancing foreign direct investment through policy stability and regional integration.
The event also featured insights from Mr. Deng Weiping, Deputy Director General of Hunan’s Commerce Department, who reaffirmed China’s commitment to mutually beneficial trade ties with Africa.
He announced a new trade policy that permits “duty-free imports from select African countries,” including Ghana, adding that this initiative would increase the competitiveness of Ghanaian products in the Chinese market.
“This is a strategic measure to bolster economic cooperation and provide tangible benefits for companies operating under Ghana’s Free Zones Programme”
Ghana Free Zones Authority
The Ghana Free Zones Authority has consistently participated in high-level international engagements to attract investors into designated economic enclaves across the country. According to the Authority, such engagements are central to expanding Ghana’s industrial base, generating employment, and creating sustainable export revenue streams.
GFZA officials noted that the Changsha event also provided opportunities for one-on-one meetings between Ghanaian representatives and prospective investors in sectors such as agro-processing, light manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, logistics, and renewable energy.
These discussions were aimed at facilitating tailored investment proposals aligned with Ghana’s national development priorities.
In addition to promoting incentives, Dr. Awusi used the platform to highlight the “infrastructure and institutional readiness of Ghana’s Free Zones enclaves.” She emphasised existing logistics networks, port access, regulatory support, and the availability of skilled labour as strong enablers of seamless business operations.
The matchmaking event marked a strategic step forward in Ghana’s broader agenda of leveraging China-Africa platforms to diversify its investment sources and align with global trade trends.
The Ghana Free Zones Authority affirmed that follow-up engagements with interested firms are already underway, and it expects new investment announcements in the coming months as a result of the Changsha meetings.
READ MORE: Green Energy International Begins First Crude Exports from Nigeria
