PM Achi Salutes 40 Years of Diplomatic Ties Between Cote d’Ivoire and China at Boao Forum
In the context of the 40 years of diplomatic relations between Cote d’Ivoire and China, the Ivorian PM Patrick Achi was a special guest at the Boao Forum for Asia which took place in Hainan, China, from 28 to 31 March 2023.
In 2021, bilateral trade amounted to USD 3.7 billion with Cote d’Ivoire exporting USD 574 million to China while importing USD 3.12 billion from China. Top imports by Cote d’Ivoire from China include flat-rolled iron, pesticides and processed fish whereas exports to China include rubber, cacao, crude oil and manganese ore.
On the sidelines of the Forum, Ivorian Prime Minister Patrick Achi met with his counterpart Chinese Premier Li Qiang. Both parties reviewed past projects and explored new ones. Previously, both countries have partnered mostly in the fields of energy and infrastructure; notably, the Soubré hydropower plant and Ebimpe National Olympic Stadium in Abidjan are flagship projects.
PM Achi then briefed the Chinese side on the Vision 2030 National Development Plan (#NDP) of Cote d’Ivoire and highlighted a number of strategic projects. Going forward, the Inland Port of Ferkessédougou near the borders with Mali and Burkina Faso, the expansion of San Pedro Sea Port on the Atlantic Ocean and the implementation of a Smart Customs will be high on the international cooperation agenda.
At the upcoming China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo (#CAETE) scheduled to start at the end of June 2023, Cote d’Ivoire would like to promote more of its agricultural produce and mineral ores to China. It is also actively looking for investors to undertake more local value addition (#LVA) in order to reap greater benefits from its natural resources.
The Chinese side expressed its readiness to work together to address #HealthSecurity, #FoodSecurity and #ClimateChange as well as the promotion of the #DigitalEconomy. China expressed its appreciation towards Cote d’Ivoire for participating and supporting the #BRI and #GDI.