Jeddah, KSA-10.12.2014: The President of Côte d’Ivoire Mr Alassane Ouattara seeks stronger ties with the Islamic Development Bank (IDB) in order to support the economy of Cote d’Ivoire. Mr Ouattara disclosed this during a visit to the IDB headquarters in Jeddah early Wednesday where he met with the IDB President, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali.
President Alassane Ouattara stated that Côte d’Ivoire is ready for investment because it is out of the political crisis it was facing, and is experiencing an economic growth of 9 to 10% which is good not only in Africa, but the world over.
“Côte d’Ivoire is a model of success. We need to work together to do more, we want Côte d’Ivoire to be a solid partner for IDB, and seek the technical assistance of the Bank in the development of Sukuk (Islamic bond)”, he said.
Mr Ouattara expressed his deepest appreciation to the President of IDB, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali for his support to Côte d‘Ivoire. “For each of the promises you made to our country you have delivered. We are grateful for that” added Mr Ouattara during a presentation on IDB activities.
In his welcome remarks, Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali congratulated Mr Ouattara for overseeing a peaceful Côte d’Ivoire, initiating economic reforms, working on national reconciliation and paying significant attention to issues of good governance.
“The cooperation between Côte d'Ivoire and the IDB began in 2002 and has developed over the years. The IDB Group has so far approved a total of USD 645 million for Côte d’Ivoire, mainly in the sectors of Transportation, Agriculture, Education, Health and Water & Sanitation. As of today our active portfolio comprises 17 projects totaling US$ 393 million” said Dr Ahmad Ali. He then assured President Ouattara that IDB has been a friend for Côte d’Ivoire in difficult times, and will continue to be a
friend always.
During President Ouattara’s visit, a US $15 million financing agreement on the construction and equipping of a Vocational Training School for Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries in the city of Bouna was signed. IDB President Dr Ahmad Mohamed Ali signed on behalf of the Bank, while Côte d’Ivoire’s Minister for Planning and National Development, Dr Albert Mabri Toikeusse represented his country.
The project aims to support the Ten Year Strategic Reform Plan for the Technical Education and Vocational Training (2012-2021) of Côte d’Ivoire by providing a quality vocational education in Agriculture, Livestock and Fisheries.. At completion, the school will have a capacity of 500 students (out of which half will be girls)