In a move to attract foreign investment, the Ivorian Minister of Economy, Nialé Kaba, met with a delegation of Japanese companies on Monday, February 26th, in Abidjan. The meeting focused on presenting enticing investment opportunities within the framework of the National Development Plan (PND) 2021-2025.
A Land of Opportunity Awaits
Minister Kaba enthusiastically addressed the Japanese delegation, emphasizing **Côte d'Ivoire's potential as a prime investment destination**. "Our nation boasts immense potential and is a prime location for forging strong partnerships," she declared. "I warmly invite Japanese investors to seize the wealth of investment opportunities our country offers. Beyond these opportunities, Côte d'Ivoire is blessed with a young and creative population, offering a readily available and talented workforce for the private sector and investors alike."
Kaba further highlighted the government's commitment to improving the business environment. This dedication is reflected in ongoing **structural and sectoral reforms**, implemented as part of the ambitious PND program. She emphasized the crucial role of regional and international cooperation in ensuring the program's successful execution.
A Flourishing Economic Partnership
The meeting served as a testament to the **thriving and growing economic cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and Japan**. "Japan is currently the 14th largest supplier to Côte d'Ivoire, with imported goods valued at 162 billion FCFA. Bilateral trade reached a staggering 163.16 billion FCFA in 2021," Kaba highlighted. The minister expressed her firm belief that these partnerships will continue to flourish, fostering "win-win" collaborations and attracting significant investments in **sectors critical to economic growth**.
Japanese Delegation Welcomes Collaboration Opportunities
Nakajo Kazuya, Executive Vice-President of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), the agency spearheading the mission, commended the Ivorian authorities for their initiative in organizing the meeting. He then presented the diverse areas of expertise represented by the 26 companies participating in the mission.
Ivorian Private Sector Eager to Collaborate
Mahoua Fadika-Delafosse, Vice-President of the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d'Ivoire (CGECI), expressed the private sector's enthusiasm for collaborating with their Japanese counterparts. "Our companies are particularly excited about the prospect of working with you and capitalizing on the numerous business opportunities offered by Côte d'Ivoire, a land of investment and a vanguard of economic liberalism on our continent," she declared.
This meeting marks a significant step forward in **strengthening economic ties between Côte d'Ivoire and Japan**. With its robust PND offering promising investment opportunities and a skilled workforce, Côte d'Ivoire positions itself as an attractive destination for Japanese investors seeking to expand their reach in Africa. As both nations continue to foster collaboration, this partnership holds the potential to unlock significant economic growth and development for both sides.
