Discover the outcomes of the Egypt-Côte d’Ivoire Business Bridge Initiative, how it fostered business relationships and enhanced trade between Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire.
Under the auspices of the Egyptian Commercial Service Office and the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry, the Africa Development Club of Attijariwafa Bank Group, together with Attijariwafa Bank Egypt and Société Ivoirienne de Banque—its subsidiary in Côte d’Ivoire—recently organized a multi-sectoral mission between Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire. This pivotal event was hosted at the Radisson Blu in Abidjan, over two days, Monday, April 29, and Tuesday, April 30, 2024, under the theme “Egypt – Côte d’Ivoire Business Bridge.”
Investors and businesses
The opening ceremony was held in the presence of Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire. The mission aimed to fortify trade relationships between customers of Attijariwafa Bank Egypt and those of Société Ivoirienne de Banque, supported by Yahia El Watheq Bellah, the Plenipotentiary Minister of Trade & Industry and Head of Egyptian Commercial Service Office. The event attracted nearly thirty investors from Egypt and over one hundred business leaders from both countries, featuring B2B networking sessions and field visits, including a tour of the infrastructure at the Autonomous Port of Abidjan.
A crucial role in amplifying economic exchanges
Ismail Douiri, Deputy CEO of Attijariwafa Bank Group, expressed his enthusiasm about providing this opportunity to the group’s customers, which, he said, aligned with the objectives of the Africa Development Club. He affirmed the group’s dedication to supporting the development of African economies and enhancing intercontinental trade.
El Watheq Bellah praised the initiative taken by the Africa Development Club and the collaborating banks to orchestrate this comprehensive mission. He reiterated Egypt’s commitment to bolstering economic ties with Côte d’Ivoire and enhancing bilateral trade.
Mouawia Essekelli, Managing Director of Attijariwafa Bank Egypt, underscored the crucial role of the partnership, which seeks to amplify economic exchanges and foster regional integration and mutual growth. He reaffirmed the bank’s commitment to aiding its customers in their developmental pursuits and contributing to the prosperity of African economies.
Mohamed El Ghazi, General Manager of Société Ivoirienne de Banque, highlighted the mission’s role in strengthening economic bonds between Côte d’Ivoire and Egypt, which, he said, are united by a long-standing partnership. He described the event as a bridge connecting various ambitions and a significant step in reinforcing trade partnerships. He emphasized the vast potential and numerous opportunities for collaboration between Cairo and Yamoussoukro, urging stakeholders to leverage their combined expertise for successful B2B engagements.
Mouna Kadiri, Director of the Africa Development Club, detailed the delegation’s goals to foster interactions and create business alliances between Ivorian and Egyptian enterprises. She pointed out the crucial role of information sharing and networking in cultivating robust commercial relationships.
Abundant cooperation opportunities
In his concluding remarks, Diarrassouba commended the organizers for their efforts and encouraged Ivorian and Egyptian businesses to capitalize on the abundant cooperation opportunities. He reiterated the Ivorian government’s commitment to creating a conducive business environment and facilitating investments.
The subsequent sessions included contributions from notable economic figures from Côte d’Ivoire, such as Solange Amichia, CEO of CEPICI, Daouda Coulibaly, Managing Director of Attijari West Africa, Siriki Sangare, CEO of Opes Holding and President of the National Chamber of Accredited Promoters and Builders, Stéphane Affro, CEO of the Kaydan Group and Redda Ben Geloune, Chief Executive Officer of the AITEK Group.
Overall, the mission successfully facilitated 240 B2B meetings, benefiting around one hundred companies from Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire.
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