Ghana, Luxembourg open talks on trade, investment and visa waiver
Ghana and Luxembourg are exploring stronger cooperation in trade, investment, digital technology and agro-processing.
The discussions followed a meeting between Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and Luxembourg’s Foreign Minister, Xavier Bettel, on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.
The meeting took place last week. It also focused on value addition as both countries explored ways to deepen their bilateral relationship.
Mr. Ablakwa described the meeting as “very productive and positive” in a post following the engagement.
He said the discussions covered several areas with the potential to strengthen economic ties between Ghana and Luxembourg.
“Our discussion focused on increasing trade and investment, intensifying cooperation in digital technologies, agro-processing and value addition,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
Travel arrangements were also discussed during the meeting.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, Ghana and Luxembourg agreed to begin discussions on a possible visa waiver agreement.
“We agreed to open discussions on a potential visa waiver agreement with Luxembourg and the broader Benelux union,” he said.
The proposed visa waiver is not yet an agreement. The two sides have only agreed to open discussions on the possibility.
The talks could also extend beyond Luxembourg to the wider Benelux Union.
The Benelux Union consists of Luxembourg, Belgium and the Netherlands.
Digital technology was another key area of discussion.
Mr. Ablakwa said Ghana and Luxembourg would explore stronger cooperation in digital technologies, agro-processing and value addition.
The areas form part of efforts to expand economic and development ties between the two countries.
The Ghanaian Foreign Minister also highlighted the importance of continued cooperation at the international level.
“Ghana and Luxembourg will continue to collaborate strongly on shared priorities and common objectives within the multilateral system,” he said.
The meeting was held during the UN General Assembly, which brings world leaders and senior government officials together to discuss global issues and international cooperation.
Mr. Ablakwa also acknowledged Xavier Bettel’s political experience.
He noted that Bettel served as Luxembourg’s Prime Minister for a decade before becoming Foreign Minister.
“I wish the dynamic Foreign Minister Xavier Bettel, who was also Luxembourg Prime Minister for a decade the very best,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
The meeting comes as Ghana seeks to strengthen its relationship with Luxembourg across several sectors.
The areas discussed include trade, investment, digital technology, agro-processing and value addition.
The proposed visa waiver could also add a new dimension to relations between Ghana and Luxembourg and the wider Benelux region.
However, no visa waiver agreement has been concluded yet.
For now, Ghana and Luxembourg are expected to continue discussions on the proposed arrangement and other areas of cooperation.
Both countries also intend to maintain collaboration on shared priorities within the multilateral system.
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