Policies needed to drive trade competitiveness in Cote D’ivoire

Cote d'Ivoire, a country in West Africa, is strategically positioned for economic growth and development. In recent years, there has been a growing emphasis on enhancing the competitiveness of enterprises to meet the standards of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). Alban Ahoure, Director at the Economic Policy Analysis Unit of the Ivorian Centre for Economic and Social Research, has highlighted the urgent need to boost the capacity of enterprises in Cote d'Ivoire to capitalize on the opportunities provided by regional and international trade agreements. One of the key challenges facing enterprises in Cote d'Ivoire is the need to align with international trade standards. The AfCFTA presents a vast market of over 1.2 billion people and a combined GDP of over $2.5 trillion. To fully leverage this opportunity, enterprises need to enhance their production processes, improve quality control, and meet the necessary standards for exporting products to other African countries. Alban Ahoure emphasized the importance of research in driving economic transformation in Cote d'Ivoire. He highlighted the role of the Economic Policy Analysis Unit in providing data-driven insights and policy recommendations to support the growth of the country's trade sector. By investing in research and innovation, Cote d'Ivoire can position itself as a competitive player in the regional and global trading landscape. In the next decade, Ahoure predicts that the impact of research on economic transformation will be evident in Cote d'Ivoire's trade competitiveness. By equipping enterprises with the necessary tools and knowledge, the country can enhance its export capacity, attract foreign investment, and create sustainable economic growth. It is essential for policymakers, industry stakeholders, and research institutions to collaborate closely to develop policies that drive trade competitiveness in Cote d'Ivoire. By fostering an ecosystem of innovation, entrepreneurship, and skills development, the country can unlock its full economic potential and become a key player in the AfCFTA. In conclusion, the journey towards enhancing enterprise capacity and trade competitiveness in Cote d'Ivoire requires a multi-faceted approach. By focusing on research, innovation, and policy reforms, the country can strengthen its position in the global marketplace and contribute to the economic development of the African continent.