According to the Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post on July 18, China's role in Côte d'Ivoire is undergoing a crucial transformation. The 'contractor' model, which has focused on large-scale infrastructure projects over the past decade or so, is being replaced by new industrial arrangements. Chinese enterprises are beginning to build factories, processing plants, and even pharmaceutical centers in the region, gradually becoming long-term stakeholders in this West African growth engine.
Recently, during an investor conference held in the economic capital Abidjan, Ivorian Minister of Planning and Development, Suleiman Diarra Soba, said: "More and more Chinese companies are integrating into Ivory Coast's commercial ecosystem, establishing commercial and industrial enterprises."
He said that fifteen years ago, Chinese companies usually only came to Côte d’Ivoire when they received bids for specific projects such as “road construction”. Due to colonial history, the economy of this African country has been dominated by French companies. However, as the government seeks to expand its international partnerships, the economic landscape is becoming more diversified.
Diaya Suva said that China is cooperating with Côte d'Ivoire and other African countries through investments in the African region. He pointed out that Chinese companies often participate in international bidding and cooperate with international banks to obtain public contracts. “We often see Chinese economic entities winning contracts in the public sector.”
He revealed that Côte d'Ivoire expects foreign investors, including Chinese enterprises, to play a key role in the country's industrialization and value creation. Priority will be given to developing industries such as agricultural processing, chemicals, plastics, packaging, construction materials, textiles, and light manufacturing.
Ibrahim Kourma, technical advisor to the President of Côte d'Ivoire, regards China as a key partner. He pointed out that the significant increase in investment has brought important roads and bridges to the country.
"The relationship between the two countries has gone beyond economic scope and extended into the political realm," he said.
