Djibouti's President, Ismaïl Omar Guelleh, recently presided over the opening ceremony of the 7th Francophonie Economic Mission at the Kempinski Hotel. The event was attended by Djibouti's First Lady, Khadra Mahamoud Haïd, Prime Minister Ali Hassan Bahdon, and the Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo. The mission aims to strengthen economic cooperation between Djibouti and Francophone countries, promoting investments and trade partnerships.
In his address, President Guelleh emphasized Djibouti's strategic location, which enables the country to play a pivotal role in regional and international trade and investment. He highlighted Djibouti's efforts to transition from a logistical hub to a comprehensive regional economic platform, leveraging its infrastructure and location along a vital maritime route. The President outlined five priority sectors for cooperation with Francophone countries: logistics and free zones, digital economy, renewable energy, healthcare, and sustainable tourism.
The Djiboutian Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Abdoul Kader Hussein Omar, stressed that the Francophonie Economic Missions reflect the growing economic dimension of the International Organization of La Francophonie. He noted that Djibouti, with its strategic location and openness to its regional and international environment, is an important partner in this endeavor. The Minister emphasized the importance of enhancing economic and trade cooperation with Francophone countries and companies.
The State Minister for Investment and Private Sector Development, Mariam Hamdou Ali, highlighted the significance of hosting the 7th Francophonie Economic Mission in showcasing Djibouti's investment opportunities and promising economic sectors. She noted that Djibouti has made significant progress in developing its infrastructure and enhancing its position as a regional hub for trade, transportation, and logistics. The State Minister emphasized the need to convert these achievements into productive investment opportunities and projects.
The Secretary-General of the International Organization of La Francophonie, Louise Mushikiwabo, underscored that La Francophonie represents a space for economic cooperation, alongside its cultural and linguistic dimensions. She emphasized the importance of economic missions in promoting cooperation among member states and encouraging the private sector to establish new partnerships. Mushikiwabo expressed her organization's hope that the meetings and discussions during the mission will lead to concrete projects and economic partnerships.
The 7th Francophonie Economic Mission features over 166 foreign companies and nearly 300 delegations from various continents, alongside approximately 150 Djiboutian companies. The mission's program includes business meetings, bilateral discussions, and talks on investment opportunities and economic cooperation areas. A trade show allows participants to explore available products, services, and investment opportunities in Djibouti. The mission provides a direct platform for Djiboutian companies to seek partnerships with Francophone companies.
The event is part of Djibouti's efforts to diversify its economy, enhance the role of the private sector, and attract quality investments. The country's strategic location and infrastructure are seen as key drivers for sustainable economic development. The mission's outcomes are expected to contribute to the growth of economic cooperation and investment between Djibouti and Francophone countries.
Key points
- The 7th Francophonie Economic Mission aims to strengthen economic cooperation between Djibouti and Francophone countries.
- Djibouti's President outlined five priority sectors for cooperation with Francophone countries.
- The mission features over 166 foreign companies and nearly 300 delegations from various continents.
