Ghana is set to hold a Fugu and Kente Trade Exhibition in Zambia next month, following rising interest in the Ghanaian traditional outfit among Zambians after President Hakainde Hichilema publicly expressed interest in placing orders.
The planned exhibition forms part of a broader set of agreements reached during President John Dramani Mahama’s state visit to Zambia, where both countries signed a Comprehensive Partnership to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, security and people-to-people relations.
Under the new framework, Ghana and Zambia have agreed to introduce visa-free travel for citizens of both countries, allowing stays of up to 30 days without a visa.
The partnership also includes fintech collaborations expected to generate contracts worth over $50 million in the short term and create about 8,000 jobs.
The two countries further agreed to strengthen cooperation in natural resources to promote value addition and environmentally responsible practices, while also signing a defence cooperation agreement to expand collaboration between their armed forces.
As part of the arrangement, Ghana will provide technical assistance for the establishment of a Minerals Commission and Goldbod in Zambia to maximise gains from its natural resources.
Zambia, on the other hand, will support Ghana in areas including solar energy regulation and scientifically improved seedling production.
To ease trade, both sides agreed to standardise product certification and develop new trade corridors aimed at positioning Ghana and Zambia as hubs for the wider West and Southern African markets.
A Bilateral Air Services Agreement was also signed to enhance aviation cooperation and pave the way for direct flights.
The Fugu and Kente Trade Exhibition is expected to build on the cultural buzz that emerged on social media, while boosting Ghana’s creative economy and expanding Zambia’s retail and cultural markets as both countries seek to turn diplomatic goodwill into measurable economic gains.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Fred Duhoe
