Chuka Umunna To Lead Trade Mission To Ghana

Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna is to lead a joint London Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and UKTI North West trade mission to Ghana for a two day visit, May 16-17, 2013.

The delegation, which will visit Lagos prior to arrival in Accra, will provide SME's with the opportunity to meet prospective clients as well as business organisations in both countries.

A total of 22 companies will be participating in the trade mission from a range of sectors including water purification, industrial paints and the suppliers of commercial vehicles.

Commenting, Shadow Business Secretary Chuka Umunna MP said:

'Emphasis is rightly put on the need to increase our exports to the BRIC economies, but we also need a push to boost trade with the next generation of emerging economies which include a large number of countries in Africa.

Sub-Saharan Africa is predicted to achieve a growth rate of over 5 per cent over the next two years and Africa's middle class is forecast to grow to over 1 billion over the next five decades - that's a whole lot of demand which Britain needs to make the most of if we want to compete and pay our way in the world.

'Nigeria is on course to become the leading economy in sub-Saharan Africa in the next decade and Ghana is the UK's third largest market for exports in this region as well as the second biggest economy in West Africa. Particularly given our historic links, linguistic ties and the large diaspora communities from Nigeria and Ghana here in the UK, there is huge potential for us to increase our trade and for British firms to benefit.

'That's why I am looking forward to visiting Nigeria and Ghana this week to champion British business. I hope the trade mission will help build stronger links between the economies of West Africa and the UK.'

Colin Stanbridge, Chief Executive of the LCCI said: "It is very clear that in order to drive growth we need to get companies exporting their products and services to a range of emerging markets. We need to be grasping opportunities in these markets and encouraging more companies to get involved in exporting.

"West Africa offers a huge market for British goods and I hope that the companies on our mission are able to make the most of all the opportunities on offer."

The trip will coincide with UKTI's export week – designed to help businesses export. http://www.exportweek.ukti.gov.uk/full/.