Islamabad: Ghana has expressed strong interest in expanding bilateral trade with Pakistan, particularly in the textile, pharmaceutical, and agricultural mechanisation sectors. The development came during a diplomatic meeting hosted by Consul General Shahid Rasheed Butt, where an eight-member Ghanaian parliamentary delegation³led by Second Deputy Speaker Andrew Asiamah Amoako³discussed avenues for deeper economic cooperation.
The delegation is in Islamabad to attend the inaugural Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference, which has brought together parliamentary leaders from more than 40 countries.
During the meeting, Ms Mashal Shahid Butt highlighted that Pakistans exports to Ghana reached $76.51 million in 2024, reflecting untapped potential given the modest trade volume. She noted that Pakistani exporters are well-positioned to supply textiles, generic medicines, and agricultural machinery to West African markets, where demand for cost-effective, quality goods is rising.
Ghana also discussed its infrastructure development requirements and Pakistans capability to provide cement, building materials, and engineering services at competitive rates.
Pakistans pharmaceutical exports³totalling $421.43 million in 2024, primarily to Africa and the Middle East³were a key focus of the conversation. The Ghanaian delegation showed particular interest in sourcing affordable generic medicines from Pakistan to strengthen its national healthcare supply chain.
Ms Butt added that Pakistans textile sector, which represents over 60 percent of the countrys total exports, makes Pakistan an attractive and competitive supplier for Ghanas growing apparel and retail sectors seeking high-quality fabrics.
Diplomatic ties between Pakistan and Ghana date back to 1963, but economic cooperation has remained uneven despite more than six decades of relations. Ghanas participation in the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers Conference is seen as a step toward revitalising trade engagement beyond formal diplomatic exchanges.
Ghana is aiming to diversify its import and export markets, moving away from heavy reliance on China, Switzerland, and the United States. With China accounting for 22 percent of Ghanas imports in 2023, Pakistani goods may find new opportunities in the West African nation through competitive pricing and favourable trade agreements.
More than 1,000 Pakistanis currently reside in Ghana, working in IT, electronics, interior design, and fintech sectors. These professional networks are expected to support future business linkages and help ease market entry for Pakistani exporters.
Pakistans expertise in rice exports, especially aromatic Basmati rice, along with the countrys globally recognised surgical instruments, sports goods, and leather products, also presents significant potential for trade expansion with Ghana.