Côte d’Ivoire and the United States are seeking to strengthen commercial ties and encourage investment partnerships that could create jobs in both countries, as business leaders and officials gathered for the Côte d’Ivoire–North America Business and Investment Forum (CINAB).

U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Junaid Munir addressed the opening ceremony of the forum in the presence of Ivorian Senate President Kandia Camara, Foreign Affairs Minister Nialé Kaba, Consul General Inza Camara and Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Faman Touré.

Highlighting the dynamism of the U.S. economy, Munir encouraged American and Ivorian companies to establish partnerships that would generate employment opportunities for people in both countries.

The forum provides a platform for businesses and investors to explore commercial opportunities, develop partnerships and identify potential projects linking Côte d’Ivoire with North American markets.

Following the opening ceremony, Munir hosted a reception at the U.S. ambassador’s residence, welcoming Canadian Ambassador Sandra Choufani, Mexico’s Honorary Consul Jean-Marc Yacé, and American and Ivorian business leaders and investors.

The gathering offered participants an opportunity to exchange ideas and discuss how business relationships could translate into trade opportunities, investment projects and job creation.

Munir also thanked Dr. Eugène Aka Aouélé, president of Côte d’Ivoire’s Economic, Social, Environmental and Cultural Council, for his support for stronger economic and commercial relations between the United States and Côte d’Ivoire.

The discussions come as Côte d’Ivoire seeks to attract international capital, diversify its economic partnerships and expand opportunities for local businesses. Closer engagement with North American companies could open avenues for cooperation across several sectors, depending on the partnerships and projects developed.

However, translating business meetings into measurable economic benefits will depend on the implementation of concrete agreements, the mobilisation of investment and the creation of sustainable employment.

The CINAB Forum is intended to help bridge the gap between networking and commercial activity by connecting companies, investors and public institutions from Côte d’Ivoire and North America.