JAMAICAN manufacturers and exporters could soon gain easier access to a market of 1.4 billion people worth nearly US$3 trillion after Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama announced on Monday that he intends to push for the Caribbean’s inclusion in Africa’s free trade area next year.

Mahama also said Ghana would fast-track parliamentary approval of the air services agreement to allow direct flights between its capital, Accra, and Montego Bay, a move expected to strengthen trade, tourism and investment between the two countries.

Speaking during a media briefing with Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness as part of his four-day state visit to Jamaica, Mahama said discussions between the two leaders had focused on moving the long-standing historical relationship between Ghana and Jamaica beyond shared heritage and towards deeper economic cooperation.