Foreign Trade: Minister Souleymane Diarrassouba Urges Ivorian Commercial Advisors to Strengthen Their Actions

On Monday, October 21, 2024, in Abidjan-Plateau, the Minister of Commerce and Industry, Souleymane Diarrassouba, urged Côte d'Ivoire's commercial advisors abroad to intensify their efforts in providing businesses with information on opportunities and risks in foreign markets.

He made this statement during the opening ceremony of the annual meeting of Côte d'Ivoire's commercial advisors and foreign trade experts, organized by the Ministry through the Directorate for the Promotion of Foreign Trade and Export Assistance (DPCEAE).

“You are the first point of contact for our companies internationally and play a vital role in promoting Côte d'Ivoire as an investment destination. Your mission is to connect our companies with potential partners, guide them in their commercial expansion projects, and showcase the strengths of our country,” said Souleymane Diarrassouba.

According to the minister, Côte d'Ivoire's foreign trade in goods increased by 4.21% from 2022 to 2023, rising from 20,928.3 billion FCFA in 2022 to 21,808.5 billion FCFA in 2023, demonstrating the resilience of the Ivorian economy in the face of external shocks. The country's GDP growth rates were 7.1% in 2021, 6.2% in 2022, and 6.5% in 2023.

The week-long meeting will allow commercial advisors to review their activities and explore new perspectives, with a particular focus on trade relations with the African continent. The event was attended by Faman Touré, President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d'Ivoire, Kalilou Sylla, Director General of Foreign Trade, and other dignitaries.

Côte d'Ivoire has nine commercial advisor positions abroad in France, China, the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Germany, Austria, Belgium, and Switzerland.