The Ghana International Trade and Finance Conference (GITFiC) on Friday launched a handbook to enable the African business community understand the practicalities of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA)in Accra.
Christened “Actualising the African Economic Vision; A practical handbook on the AfCFTA,” the book would serve as a guideline for African leaders, academia, trade and finance communities as well as other stakeholders of the AfCFTAworldwide.
Mr Selasi Koffi Ackom, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), GITFiC, said writing the 10-chapter book took a great deal of work with several consultations, in-depth analysis, and references.
He indicated that the book was inspired by all heads of states on the African continent, adding that “the advent of the AfCFTA had received substantial interest and set forth a renewed sense of optimism and conviction that seeks to propel Africa into the league of global trade powerhouse”.
Mr Ackom noted that the book was expected to reach every educational complex on the continent through the help of state agencies, continental institutions with requisite funding.
“This book has been devoid of large leaflets and content. The main aim here is to encourage reading and attract same. The chapters of the book give a complete understanding of the AfCFTA and its functional implementation structures and practically expose the reader to the opportunities within the AfCFTA with an insight of Ghana’s strategy into the AfCFTA,” he stated.
“The book has diagrams, info-graphics and photos to spice reading and give a pictorial meaning to the context and content, and is currently in English and French. Plans are underway to translate it into Spanish, Arabic and Portuguese in the coming weeks,” he added.
The Colombian Ambassador, Claudia Turbay Quintero, on behalf of the Pacific Alliance Embassy made up of Colombia, Mexico, Peru and Chile, said the launch of the book was an opportunity for the alliance to work hand-in hand with GITFiC and AfCFTA.
Mr Bernard Afreh, Lead Consultant, GITFiC, said the launch of the AfCFTA and the book would enhance trade and economies in Africa, thereby succeeding and improving the lives of over 1.5 billion people.
He appealed to financial institutions and commercial and trade communities to make good use of the literature contained in the book.
BY TIMES REPORTER
