A two-day session of the large joint commission for cooperation between Ivory Coast and Liberia opened Thursday in the Ivorian capital, Abidjan.
The high-level economic meeting is bringing together top government officials and business people from Ivory Coast and Liberia to discuss issues of trade and commerce for the mutual benefit of both countries.
Top members of the Concerned Liberian International Business Organization (COLINBO) are representing businesses of the private sector at the event.
At a meeting with their Ivorian business counterparts, COLINBO President, Joseph Kodah, called for deepening of relationship to commence immediate large-scale trade between the two countries.
Kodah told his Ivorian business counterparts that Liberian President, Joseph Boakai, is keen on developing the country’s agriculture sector, stressing the need to take advantage of the area.
The Concerned Liberian International Business Organization (COLINBO) Board Chair, Fomba Trawally, is part of the delegation to Ivory Coast.
He highlighted the numerous investment opportunities available in Liberia and urged Ivorian business leaders to take advantage of them, and said, “Liberia is open for business and we are eager to welcome investors from our neighboring countries.”
“We have a young and dynamic workforce, a strategic location in West Africa, and a government that is committed to creating a conducive business environment. We believe that there are great opportunities for Ivorian investors to partner with us and help drive economic growth in Liberia,” Trawally maintained.
He further emphasized the strong historical ties between Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire, and the potential for increased trade and investment between the two countries, and pointed out that Liberia has a wealth of natural resources, including iron ore, gold, and timber, as well as opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure development.
The President of COLINBO assured potential investors that the government is committed to supporting foreign investment and creating a level playing field for all businesses, and stressed the recent reforms and initiatives aimed at improving the business climate in Liberia.
Trawally added, “We are ready to work with you, to partner with you, and to create a win-win situation for both our countries. Together, we can build a brighter future for Liberia and Cote d’Ivoire.”
