Diploma in International Trade Students Given Practical Lessons in Export Trade

To give practical understanding and meaning of exporting to the first cohort of students who participated in the first programme of the Diploma in International Trade, Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) with the support of the International Trade Centre (ITC) has organised a field trip for participants to visit the Port of Tema. The visit was in fulfillment of the course curriculum which was designed to link classroom work with practical side of exporting such as shipping and logistics. The Diploma in International Trade Program is run in collaboration with the International Trade Centre (ITC) and the Institute of Export & International Trade (loE&lT).

The visit was also meant to give first-hand information and appreciation of the customs declaration process, the range of international trade documentation and to ensure the correct packing and insurance of goods among others.

The trip which was led by the Deputy CEO of GEPA in charge of HR and Administration, Albert Kassim Diwura, was  undertaken with the kind courtesy and guidance of the Ghana Ports and Harbors Authority (GPHA).

The participants were led by a staff of GPHA to the main port area where theoretical aspect of their study was connected to the practical aspect of export business.  Specific parts of the port visited included the Shed Nine, where most perishables bound for export are held temporarily before they are loaded unto vessels. Shed nine mostly handles fruits under the requisite temperature before the loaded onto vessels.

The visit also took them to areas where vessels berth, brick waters, imported car parks, and other interesting sites. The official from GPHA took time to explain important shipping terminologies used daily and routine activities carried out at the port. The students also had enough time to ask questions, which were satisfactorily responded to.

Prior to the departure of the students to the Port of Tema, they were given practical lessons in  Opportunities in Regional Trade, Export Documentation, Export Statistics amongst others. A seasoned exporter from the Kinapharma Group was invited to share his experience with them.