Ivory Coast seeks help in achieving economic uplift

RECORDER REPORT

KARACHI (September 16 2005): The Republic of Ivory Coast seeks support from Muslim countries, especially Pakistan, in achieving economic development and political stability in the country.

A high-powered delegation led by Moustapha Diaby, who is a presidential candidate in October elections in the Republic, is on a four-day visit to Pakistan to discuss co-operation in all fields.

Addressing a press conference with Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Khalid Feroz on Thursday, he said that he was extremely impressed by the economic development and political stability achieved by Pakistan under General Musharraf's leadership and needs guidance for the development of his country after he takes over the office of president.

He was accompanied by Vice President of the Ivory Coast Chamber of Commerce Yousuf who said that his country was Number One in coffee and cocoa production in the world and is rich in natural resources such as iron, gold and diamond.

There is a great scope for Pakistani businessmen to invest in projects in that country, which has no restriction on repatriation of profits or investment. The rate of tax on profits earned in the country is 30 percent. To a question, he said that trade volume of Ivory Coast was not very high. Its exports are that of $1 billion as compared to imports worth $2 billion.

Ivory Coast is basically an agricultural country producing about 350,000 bales of cotton, but it wants to start a programme of industrialisation by setting up manufacturing units in different fields.

He invited the Pakistani industrialists to set up industries in the country, which offers lucrative incentives to the investors.

Ivory Coast has a population of 30 million, 60 percent of which are Muslims. Moustapha is the first Muslim candidate contesting for presidentship in the country's history.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005

Ivory Coast team calls on Soomro

KARACHI (September 19 2005): Acting President and Chairman Senate Mohammadmian Soomro met here with a six-member delegation of Ivory Coast led by Dr Diaby Moustopha and discussed matters pertaining to mutual interests of both the countries.

During the meeting Dr Moustopha has said that Ivory Coast needs a lot of technician and engineers in various sectors and trained staff n health, education, security, pharmaceutical and manufacturing sectors.

On the occasion Soomro had greeted the delegation on behalf of the President, Prime Minister, members of Parliament and people of Pakistan. He said that Ivory Coast is bestowed with natural resources. He said Pakistan has a desire to corporate and collaborate with Ivory Coast in all sectors.

He said that Pakistan was looking towards African countries for exploring more markets for Pakistani products. He said that with the exchange of students, tourists, businessmen and government officials more awareness among the people of both the countries will take place.

The other members of the delegation are as under: M. Youssouf Djibo, Vice President of Chamber of Commerce, Mwarili Alafe, Vice President of the Journalist Union, Fabien Singaye, Consulate Advice, Fofana Sinaly, Lawyer of the National Chamber Bar, Diaby Abdoul Kader, Advisor Translator, Khalid Firoze, President Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) and Shahid Firoze, Chairman Arfeen International were also present on the occasion.-PR

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005