VISIT OF ABIDJAN PORT BY THE MINISTER OF WATER AND FORESTS

Visite de travail Tuesday 16 April 2024

On Thursday 15 February 2024, during a visit of Mr Laurent TCHABA,Minister of Water and Forests to Abidjan Terminal and to the Inspection Service for Forest Products meant for exports,the Minister held talks with Mr Hien Yacouba SIE Managing Director of Abidjan Port Authority.

During the meeting,the Minister indicated that he came to Abidjan Port to inquire about the procedures for exporting forest products by sea from the stuffing or bulk package verification up to the issuance of export authorization.

Seizing this opportunity,he congratulated the PAA’s Managing Director and his team for the major works carried out over the last decade,which enabled to strengthen the capacities of this major hub port in Côte d’Ivoire."Abidjan Port has been utterly transformed.we are proud as Ivorians to have this port platform.I am giving you all my encouragement" he stated.In reply,Mr Hien Yacouba SIE , recalled that this massive port modernization program was to be put to the credit to the State of Côte d’Ivoire headed by His Excellency Mr Alassane OUATTARA,President of the Republic who made all the resources available for the works to be carried out.

As regards the timber export procedure,he reassured the Minister of the involvement of his institution in the effective implementation of all the measures aiming at complying with regulatory provisions and the commitments to international community.

Note that this visit of the Minister of water and Forests was a preparation for the signing of a Voluntary  Partnership Agreement between the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire and the European Union ( EU) which was expected to take place in Belgium from 18 to 22 February 2024.

As a recall this agreement concerns the enforcement of forest regulations, governance,and the trading exchange of timber and by-products (APPV-FLEGT)