Côte d'Ivoire has made its debut at the China International Import Expo (CIIE) with a national pavilion in Shanghai. The pavilion was officially inaugurated on November 6, 2026, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Dr. Kaladji Fadiga, director-general of the Côte d'Ivoire Export Agency, and other officials. The pavilion features a range of Ivorian products, including cocoa, hibiscus flowers, dried fruits, and handicrafts.

The Ivorian pavilion is part of the country's strategy to promote its products and develop its exports. The theme of the pavilion is "Made in Côte d'Ivoire, Made for the World," which reflects the country's ambition to showcase its expertise and promote its products globally. The pavilion features a variety of products that demonstrate the country's potential for transformation and valorization of its agricultural, cultural, and artisanal resources.

Dr. Kaladji Fadiga emphasized that the objective of the pavilion is to showcase not only Ivorian products but also the people who contribute to their production and valorization. He highlighted that the country's rich natural resources and talented people are being presented to the Chinese market. Fadiga also expressed his gratitude to the participating companies for their commitment to exploring new markets.

The Ivorian participation in the CIIE is coordinated by the Côte d'Ivoire Export Agency, which aims to create opportunities for Ivorian companies to establish contacts and partnerships with Chinese businesses. The agency's director-general emphasized that the presence at the expo is not just a promotional exercise but an effort to create concrete commercial opportunities and strengthen the presence of Ivorian products in the Chinese market.

Ivorian Ambassador to China, Abou Dosso, highlighted the significance of the CIIE as a platform for economic opening and cooperation between countries. He noted that the cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and China has developed significantly over the years, particularly in trade, agriculture, and infrastructure. Dosso emphasized that the Ivorian presence at the expo aims to take bilateral trade to a new level by promoting finished products and building Ivorian brands in the Chinese market.

Ambassador Dosso invited Chinese economic operators and investors to explore opportunities in Côte d'Ivoire, citing the country's stable business environment, rich agricultural resources, and young workforce. He also emphasized the complementarity of the Chinese and Ivorian economies, noting that Chinese technologies and investments can contribute to Côte d'Ivoire's industrialization, while Ivorian agricultural products can enrich the offerings for Chinese consumers.

The Ivorian participation in the CIIE reflects the country's ambition to deepen its economic and commercial relations with China. The country's presence at the expo demonstrates its commitment to promoting its products and establishing partnerships with Chinese businesses. The Ivorian pavilion at the CIIE will be open until November 10, 2026, offering a platform for Ivorian companies to showcase their products and connect with potential partners.

Key points

  • Côte d'Ivoire makes its debut at the China International Import Expo with a national pavilion showcasing its products.
  • The Ivorian pavilion features a range of products, including cocoa, hibiscus flowers, dried fruits, and handicrafts.
  • The country's participation in the CIIE aims to promote its products, develop its exports, and establish partnerships with Chinese businesses.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.