The Ministry of Commerce and Industry of Cote d’Ivoire in collaboration with TradeMark Africa (TMA) recently convened a two-day meeting for trade facilitation officials from Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire to deliberate on measures to enhance trade efficiencies between the two countries, focusing primarily on deepening customs cooperation. Facilitated with support from the UK International Development, the meeting drew participation from the Ministries of Trade, Industry and Commerce, Foreign Affairs and Customs Cooperation, as well as Customs Authorities, border agencies at Noe and Elubo, and local government authorities of the two countries. In his opening remarks, Mr. Sylla Kalilou, representing Côte d'Ivoire's Minister of Commerce and Industry, emphasised the importance of boosting trade across Africa, urging the two countries to lead by example in eliminating trade barriers, while lauding TMA’s participation in the trade enabling initiatives. The Deputy Director General of the Ivorian Customs Authority, Mr Louis Kadio, welcomed the initiatives as an example of strengthening South-South cooperation, and commended organisers for the laudable move to address challenges of interconnection and facilitate trade between the neighbouring states. The gathering reflected on the findings of a TMA-led missions that took place early this year, having identified numerous operational and infrastructure challenges impeding trade at Noe-Elubo borders – the busiest border crossing between the two nations along the Lagos-Abidjan Corridor. Among the challenges that were noted included poor state of border facilities (inspection bays, scanners, office blocks, parking lots), absence of laboratory, fire station, isolation centres for persons and animals and dedicated facilities...
TradeMark Africa drives engagements to streamline and boost trade in West Africa
Posted on: August 23, 2024
Posted on: August 23, 2024