The Australian Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce and Industry(AGCCI) was officially launched on the November 30, 2023, at the Residence of the Australian High Commissioner. The distinguished Guests of Honour were Hon. K.T Hammond, MP, and Minister for Trade and Industry, and H.E. Berenice Owen-Jones, the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana.
Theme: Consolidating Bilateral Gains through the Promotion of Services, Technology, and Agribusiness Sub-sectors
The event, hosted at the gracious Residence of the Australian High Commissioner, was marked by a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to fostering economic ties between Ghana and Australia. The chosen theme, “Consolidating Bilateral Gains through the Promotion of Services, Technology, and Agribusiness Sub-sectors,” reflected the focus on key sectors that can drive sustainable growth for both nations.
Despite the absence of the President of the chamber, Bishop Richard Asamoah-Boateng, a video of his speech resonated through the gathering. In the video, he shared the inspiring story of AGCCI’s genesis, rooted in his personal experiences. Bishop Asamoah-Boateng recounted his venture in 2015 to establish a factory for converting used tires into biofuel and carbon black, utilizing Australian technology. He highlighted the challenges and frustrations faced during the process, including unsuccessful attempts to bring Australian investors into joint ventureships.
The core message of Bishop Asamoah-Boateng’s speech was clear: the creation of AGCCI was born out of the need for an enabling platform. Such a platform, he emphasized, would leverage the special trade policies offered by both nations, paving the way for successful trade and investment endeavors. The principal objective of the chamber, as outlined by the President, is to establish an enabling platform that facilitates seamless trade and investment between Ghana and Australia.
The launch event also featured impactful speeches from key figures, including H.E. Mrs. Berenice Owen-Jones, the Australian High Commissioner to Ghana, Hon. K.T Hammond, MP, and Minister for Trade and Industry, as well as the Country Director, Jon Attakora. Each speaker underscored the significance of the newly established chamber in enhancing economic cooperation and fostering mutually beneficial partnerships.
As the Australian Ghanaian Chamber of Commerce and Industry takes its first steps, it signals a new era of collaboration, innovation, and growth between the two nations. The journey ahead holds the promise of creating a robust platform that not only addresses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs like Bishop Asamoah-Boateng but also opens doors to a myriad of opportunities for businesses and investors in both Ghana and Australia.
Stay tuned for more updates as AGCCI works towards realizing its vision of a thriving and dynamic economic relationship between Ghana and Australia.
