UNIDO ITPO Tokyo hosted Ms. Solange M. F. Amichia, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Center for the Promotion of Investments in Cote d’Ivoire (CEPECI), from 25 November to 05 October 2014.

Ms. Amichia’s objectives were (a) to experience the local Japanese business culture and understand Japanese companies’ approach and conduct when doing business in developing countries; (b) to present Cote d’Ivoire and reasons for investing in the country; (c) to promote investment projects, especially 10 pre-selected projects; (d) to discuss with companies’ management and create a platform to start collaboration.

During her stay in Japan, she met business entities and institutes which are interested in the country especially in the sectors of agriculture, energy, security, steel, organic fertilizer, shipping, animation and foodstuff. A seminar held in Osaka to promote Cote d’Ivoire was quite successful and followed by several individual business meetings.

Ms. Amichia was very impressed with the interest shown by Japanese companies. Also it was understood that the ECOWAS and its trading advantages in terms of export potential in the region could be attractive for Japanese companies.