EXIM Bank US To Increase Investment In Ghana

The Export and Import (EXIM) Bank of the United States has expressed its commitment to increase its investment portfolio in Ghana.

Already, the bank has invested more than $500 million in the energy and transport sectors of the economy.

The Chairman of the EXIM Bank, Mr Fred Hochberg, made this known after a closed-door meeting with President John Evans Atta Mills and his delegation in Washington, DC, in the United States Monday.

He lauded Ghana’s economic stability and democratic credentials as some of the factors which had increased the bank’s confidence to invest more in the economy.

He expressed the bank’s preparedness to partner with Ghana to initiate new projects and facilitate the execution of many others in the country.

“Our work with Ghana dates as far back to the 60s. We also made a number of visits to your country to know the reality on the ground,” he said.

Responding, President Mills described the meeting with bank officials as very” fruitful”, saying that with increased interaction, the two countries were forging a closer relationship.

He expressed delight at the pledge by the bank to facilitate many projects in Ghana, stressing that “we are looking forward to many facilities to provide jobs and improve the lot of our people”.

President Mills had earlier met with the US Trade Representative, Ambassador Ron Kirk, who described the President’s visit to the White House as a stage for partnership.

He said Ghana’s democratic credentials, coupled with its economic growth, “really shows that Ghana is a hub for West Africa”.

Ambassador Kirk described President Mills’s leadership style and his personal integrity as incredible, saying, “We want to see trade

grow more.”
Speaking to journalists after the meeting, the US Ambassador to Ghana, Mr Donald Teitlebaum, said he was proud to be associated with the bilateral discussions.

He said the two countries had demonstrated bold and deep relationships.