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A delegation from GCB Bank PLC (GCB) on Wednesday, 28th October 2025, met with selected exporters at an engagement organised by the Ghana Export Promotion Authority (GEPA) Head Office in Accra, as part of preparations toward representing both the Bank and Ghana at the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE) in Shanghai. The event focused on sensitising and equipping exporters ahead of the global trade expo scheduled for 5th – 10th November 2025. The CIIE is the world’s first import-focused trade fair, designed to showcase what China is ready to import from the rest of the world to boost its domestic growth. With accredited agents scouting for business partnerships, and the recent announcement of a zero-tariff trade agreement between Ghana and China, the expo presents a golden opportunity for Ghanaian businesses looking to penetrate the vast Chinese market. Speaking at the session, Aurelia Baaba Ofori Odame, Head of SOE & Afro Asia Unit at GCB Bank, reaffirmed the Bank’s commitment to supporting exporters beyond traditional banking. “This forms part of our customer-centric focus and how we continue to create an enabling environment for your businesses to thrive. GCB Bank has supported local businesses since inception, and we remain committed to empowering our valued customers to scale globally,” she said. She further highlighted the importance of the Bank’s collaboration with GEPA, describing it as a deliberate move to strengthen Ghana’s presence in international markets. “Our strategic partnership with GEPA is a reflection of our continued commitment to Ghana’s socio-economic growth through innovative and reliable banking solutions. By working closely with an institution that champions export development, GCB Bank is not only supporting individual businesses but also helping position Ghana as a competitive player in global trade,” Aurelia added. Participants received guidance on travel arrangements, basic communication skills for business, booth setup, trade etiquette, hotel options, movement logistics, and exhibition strategies – all designed to help them maximize visibility and deal-closing opportunities in Shanghai. In an interview, Mr. George Adjei-Bekoe, CEO of Goblin Foods Limited, shared his excitement about GCB’s involvement: “It is refreshing to know a bank like GCB is fully behind us. Our biggest challenge in the past has been fulfilling demand after closing deals at international fairs. With GCB Bank on board, we now feel equipped to deliver and push the Ghana brand with confidence.” Exporters also engaged in an open Q&A session, sharing insights and lessons from previous international trade events. Representing GCB Bank at the session were Cynthia E. Ofori-Dwumfuo (Chief MarCommX), Yvonne Enam Seshie, Trade Manager, François (PA to Head of SOE & Afro-Asia Unit), and members of the Corporate Affairs team. GCB Bank PLC is a leading player in Ghana’s banking industry, with 184 branches, 340 ATMs and a host of banking agents spread across the length and breadth of the country. As Ghana’s premier indigenous bank, GCB Bank has, since its establishment in 1953, been described as a systemic bank with significant contribution to Ghana’s growth in multiple sectors including oil and gas, agriculture, commerce and others. The Bank has transformed itself into one of Ghana’s most modern banks in terms of its financial intermediation capabilities including digital payment platforms and consequently strengthened its corporate reputation both at home and abroad. The Bank’s relationship with its stakeholders is delivered on a platform of trust, support and collaboration and anchored through its brand promise, “Your Bank for Life”.
