While Congo-Brazzaville and Côte d’Ivoire share certain points in common, these two countries, whose economies depend essentially on raw materials, trade very little. It is to explore investment opportunities that operators and other experts from these two states organized a joint economic forum held at the end of March in Brazzaville.
From our correspondent in Brazzaville,
It is the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire in Congo which initiated this first Economic Forum organized by the investment agencies of the two countries. Director of the Congo Investment Promotion Agency (API), Annick Patricia Mongo, presents the opportunities that each country can exploit in the camp of the other.
« We have organized this Forum to boost investment and trade. There are real opportunities because everyone knows that Côte d’Ivoire has great expertise in agriculture. We need it. They too need our expertise in other areas. Indeed, we have certified rainforests with international certifications “, she explains.
Congo, which has embarked on the development of ZAPs, Protected Agricultural Zones, expects improved cuttings from Côte d’Ivoire and the development of value chains such as processing and marketing.
Encourage win-win partnership
In terms of managed and certified forests, the Congo has its experience to share. The ambition displayed by the two countries is to develop active cooperation, according to Solange Amichia, director general of the Investment Promotion Center of Côte d’Ivoire (CPICI).
« The idea today is to develop African joint ventures. And, these joint ventures will be formed between Congolese national champions and Ivorian national champions who will conquer the two markets. “, she specifies.
At the Brazzaville Forum, culture and tourism were presented as levers for development. Belinda Ayessa General Manager of the Pierre Savorgnan de Brazza Memorial encourages a win-win partnership.
« It was also necessary to have several variations, in particular the specificity on the economy and on the exchanges between these two brotherly countries. It was important for Ivorian and Congolese investors to be able to meet to reflect, because we have to start there. “, she notes.
Ways to boost cooperation
For now, trade between Congo and Côte d’Ivoire is insignificant and the balance is not balanced. Ivorian cosmetic products are present on the Congolese market and Air Côte d’Ivoire serves Brazzaville.
Franck Herman Ngoyi, Zlecaf Congo’s chief negotiator, suggests ways forward for more dynamic cooperation. ” These two countries, which are also members of the African Union (AU), will have to think regarding granting preferences. Preferences not only tariff, but that they also manage to harmonize standards, technical regulations and a certain conformity “, he advises.
The first Congo-Côte d’Ivoire Economic Forum was marked by B to B meetings, the signing of a series of agreements and an exhibition of handicrafts.
