IEAG Executive Secretary Samson Asaki Awingobit Leaves For 2026 World Rice Conference In Manila

The Importers and Exporters Association of Ghana (IEAG) has announced that its Executive Secretary, Mr. Samson Asaki Awingobit, has departed Accra for Manila, Philippines, to participate in the 2026 International World Rice Conference (IWRC).

The conference, scheduled for October 7-9, 2026, at the Dusit Thani Manila, is organised by The Rice Trader and the International Commodity Institute.

According to a press statement signed by Communications and Media Relations Officer, Philip Azu, the conference brings together major stakeholders across the global rice value chain, including producers, farmers, traders, importers, exporters, millers, shippers, policymakers, and researchers.

The IEAG says Mr. Awingobit's participation marks his third attendance at the prestigious conference, having previously participated in the 2024 edition in Manila from November 5-7, 2024, and the 2025 edition in Phnom Penh, Cambodia, from November 6-9, 2025.

The Association described the conference as particularly important to Ghana's trade and food-security interests, given the strategic role of rice in Ghana's import and food supply chain.

"The conference provides an important platform for gaining market intelligence, identifying reliable sources of supply, exploring new trading opportunities and building direct relationships with international rice producers and suppliers," the statement noted.

IEAG added that Mr. Awingobit's previous participations have already yielded tangible benefits for Ghanaian businesses, helping connect local rice importers with farmers, producers and trading partners in the Philippines and Cambodia.

"The Executive Secretary's participation is therefore not merely about attending an international conference but forms part of the Association's broader efforts to open new markets, strengthen Ghana's international trade relationships, improve access to competitive sources of rice and create opportunities for Ghanaian importers and exporters," it said.

The Association expressed confidence that the 2026 conference will yield further strategic partnerships and trade-related benefits for Ghana, particularly for businesses operating within the rice importation and distribution value chain.