Ghana and Pakistan have reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening trade ties and agricultural cooperation at this year’s Pakistan Rice Road Show, a two-day business networking forum in Accra that connects top Pakistani rice exporters with West Africa’s food industry leaders.
The forum is to deepen engagement between Ghanaian importers, farmer-based organisations, and Pakistani exporters, opening opportunities for joint ventures in rice milling, packaging, storage, agricultural technology, food processing, and agro-industrial infrastructure.
Speaking at the event, Minister of Food and Agriculture, Eric Opoku, noted the growing importance of rice in Ghana’s food security agenda, stressing that consumption has increased significantly in recent years.
“While government is working diligently under the flagship Planting for Food and Jobs programme to boost local production through irrigation expansion, mechanisation, seed distribution, and farmer support, we acknowledge that current demand still outweighs supply,” he said.
He commended Pakistan, a global leader in rice production and export, for its expertise, stressing that Ghana stands to benefit not only from access to high-quality rice but also from knowledge-sharing in research, mechanisation, and value chain development.
“This forum is not just a rice exhibition but a platform for building long-term partnerships. By working together, Ghana and Pakistan can build resilient agricultural systems, generate jobs, reduce import dependence, and enhance food security,” he added.
The High Commissioner of Pakistan to Ghana, His Excellency Najeeb Durrani, described the roadshow as a “historic milestone” in trade and investment relations between the two nations.
“It gives me great pleasure to warmly welcome you all to this historic event. Today marks a significant milestone in strengthening trade, investment, and equal-to-equal ties between Pakistan and Ghana,” he said.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration between Ghanaian institutions and Pakistan’s trade bodies in making the event possible, acknowledging the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre, the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Association of Ghana Industries, the Ministry of Food and Agriculture, the Plant Protection Directorate, and the Food and Drugs Authority.
“The Pakistan Rice Show is not just an exhibition, it is a platform for mutual learning, sharing expertise, and creating opportunities for sustainable trade that benefits both our economies and our people,” he emphasised.
His Excellency Durrani expressed optimism that the interactions and partnerships fostered during the roadshow would pave the way for stronger and more fruitful Pakistan–Ghana economic relations in the years ahead.
Adding the perspective of Ghana’s private sector, the National Treasurer of the Ghana National Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Michael Caeser, expressed gratitude for the Chamber’s partnership in the initiative, describing the event as “a platform for businesses to connect, learn, and grow.”
“Our mandate is to protect and promote businesses, and at any opportunity like this, we identify with partners to advance trade while safeguarding Ghanaian enterprises,” he said.
He highlighted trade statistics between the two countries, noting that in 2023 Ghana exported $3.3 million worth of goods to Pakistan, primarily cocoa and products from the milling industries, while Pakistan exported $53.3 million in goods to Ghana, including rice, cement, textiles, sugar, vinegar, and industrial inputs.
This left the trade balance heavily tilted in Pakistan’s favour, with a total trade volume of $56.6 million.
“Today’s show is focused on rice, and clearly, Pakistan has a huge comparative advantage. But that is not to say Ghana cannot leverage opportunities. We must ensure that in addition to imports, we are creating jobs, safeguarding food security, and sharing our own strengths with global partners,” he stated.
Michael Caeser recommended the establishment of a joint regulatory and investment forum between Ghana and Pakistan to deepen policy dialogue, promote business-to-business linkages, and explore new opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, textiles, and agri-technology.
“The African Continental Free Trade Area gives Ghana a unique advantage as a hub. With technology transfer and sector diversification, both Ghana and Pakistan can create a win-win situation that strengthens diplomatic and economic ties,” he added.
