In an exclusive  interview with the Daily Graphic, in French, the Ivorian Ambassador, who has spent two years in Ghana, described the recent bilateral successes as “marching towards prosperity together”.

He emphasised that the two countries have had a long-standing relationship, with historical ties dating back to the medieval era, preparing an excellent opportunity for enhancing mutual benefits in various sectors, including security, economy, politics, trade, health among others. 

Ghana-Cote d'Ivoire Chamber of Commerce

The Ivorian ambassador stated, "the harmonious relation between the two countries has initiated a common interest towards the formation of the Ghana - Cote d'Ivoire Chamber of Commerce (GCCCI) to facilitate trade among Ghanaian and Ivorian businesses”.

Mr Tanon said advanced consultations were ongoing between the Ivorian Embassy and the Ministry of Trade, Agribusiness & Industry, with a joint working committee formed to define operational modalities for establishing the GCCCI.

He indicated that several companies from both countries, particularly in the agribusiness, logistics, construction, energy and financial services sectors, have expressed strong interest in the GCCCI.

They see the chamber as a strategic facilitator for business development and cross-investment consolidation.

He argued that the Chamber of Commerce could play a key role in facilitating partnerships and reducing trade barriers between the two countries, thereby promoting increased bilateral trade between Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana, which is currently estimated at 311.9 billion FCFA in 2023, compared to 350.6 billion FCFA in 2022.

He added that Côte d'Ivoire mainly exports bulk cotton, processed cocoa, palm oil, iron, steel and steelwork, chemicals, textiles and footwear to Ghana.

In return, Côte d'Ivoire imports fish, plastics, pharmaceuticals, vegetables, animal fats and oils and metal products from Ghana.

He emphasised that Ghanaian and Ivorian businessmen and women rely on each other in export and import trades; hence, there is a need to establish a joint chamber supported by a framework to boost trade between the two states.

The Ivorian ambassador affirmed that the two states could make history and be considered a twin state through trade.

He expressed a wish for Cote d'Ivoire and Ghana to be pioneers in using the “Eco”, a currency that the ECOWAS considers as the medium of exchange and for their cooperation to serve as an example for other countries.

Cocoa production

Mr Tanon underscored the collective gains that Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana have seen in recent years in the cocoa sector due to the La Côte d'Ivoire- Ghana Cocoa Initiative (CIGCI), also known as the Abidjan Declaration, established in 2018.

The ambassador emphasised that the two countries, which account for a combined 65 per cent of the world’s cocoa production, need to leverage their strength to demand a competitive price.

The CIGCI, he said, allows the two leading producers of cocoa to speak with one voice on strategic issues, particularly fair remuneration for producers.

The introduction of the Living Income Differential (LID), set at $400 per tonne and included in the cocoa purchase price, was a crucial measure that helped rebalance the power dynamics with international buyers.

Mr Tanon stated that this mechanism had fortified the West African countries’ position in global markets, whilst establishing the groundwork for enhanced economic justice for producers.

The ambassador added, “A shared objective has been set to achieve at least 50 per cent local processing. Several measures are already in place, including creating and expanding industrial units, targeted tax incentives, logistics facilities and Public-Private Partnerships”.