17 Jul 2024

Strengthening Ties and Exploring Opportunities in Côte d'Ivoire

Intertek, a leading Total Quality Assurance (TQA) provider to industries worldwide, participated in the UK - Côte d'Ivoire Trade Mission 2024, held from 24-26 June in Abidjan. The event, which brought together 40 British companies and provided a platform for exploring business opportunities and investments in Côte d'Ivoire, featured over 10 panels and numerous B2B and B2G meetings which outlined strategies for fostering collaboration and mutual growth.

The Intertek delegation was represented by Jérémy Gaspard, Vice President Government and Trade Services (GTS), and T. Marcel Compaore, Regional Director for West and Central Africa GTS. During a compelling panel discussion, Jérémy shared Intertek's extensive experience across various business lines in Côte d'Ivoire, highlighting the market's opportunities and investment potential.

After more than 20 years of presence in the country, Intertek also took the opportunity to announce the opening of its GTS regional West-Central Africa Customer Service Center (CSC) office in Abidjan to strengthen ties with French-speaking African countries and continue its commitment to providing TQA services. This strategic move brings Intertek closer to local customers, enabling the company to more actively support the safeguarding of end consumers in the region. The announcement marks a new chapter in Intertek's engagement with West-Central Africa, cementing its status as a trusted partner to businesses and governments in the region.

High-level meetings with officials from the United Kingdom and Côte d'Ivoire highlighted the strong desire to intensify economic and commercial relations. The Intertek delegation, led by Mr. Gaspard, alongside the UK High Commissioner in Abidjan Catherine Brooker, had the honor to meet with His Excellency Souleymane Diarrassouba, Minister of Trade and Industry of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire, and Her Excellency Sara Amani, the Côte D’Ivoire Ambassador in UK. Discussions focused on deepening the existing partnership for Conformity Assessment Programmes (CAP) that Intertek provides as a Conformity Assessment Body (CAB) for Côte d'Ivoire, building quality infrastructure and sharing knowledge to enhance the country's technical capabilities.

In addition, the Intertek delegation visited national laboratories to explore opportunities for updating facilities, building technical capabilities, and providing training to enhance operational excellence within the country.

Reflecting on the trade mission, Mr. Gaspard said: "This visit has been pivotal in strengthening our ties with local businesses and authorities. The UK - Côte d'Ivoire Trade Mission has opened new avenues for collaboration, reaffirming our commitment to driving excellence and innovation in Côte d'Ivoire and beyond. Our strategic meetings and laboratory visits have laid the groundwork for future partnerships and advancements.”

Intertek GTS’s regional CSC office in West-Central Africa will play a significant role in expanding the company's presence in the region. The office will deliver more tailored services and support to French-speaking African countries, ensuring closer and more effective collaboration with local stakeholders. This strategic positioning reinforces Intertek's commitment to addressing the specific needs of the region and providing comprehensive TQA services.

Regarding Intertek's ongoing business in Côte d'Ivoire, Mr. Gaspard added: "We extend our sincere gratitude to the Government of Côte d'Ivoire for its trust in Intertek's vast experience and global presence. This confidence affirms our dedication to supporting the region's growth. We are committed to providing Total Quality Assurance services, enhancing technical capabilities, and fostering sustainable development in Côte d'Ivoire."

For more information about Intertek Government and Trade services for the Côte d'Ivoire market, visit: https://www.intertek.com/government/product-conformity/certificate-of-conformity-exports-ivory-coast/

For Media Information:

Please contact

Mutaz Yahya
Global Marketing and Communications and Middle East
+971 (56) 991 2923
Mutaz.yahya@intertek.com

Medha Singh
Regional Marketing Executive, Asia
+91-9136441227
Medha.singh@intertek.com

About Intertek

Intertek is a leading Total Quality Assurance provider to industries worldwide.

Our network of more than 1,000 laboratories and offices in more than 100 countries, delivers innovative and bespoke Assurance, Testing, Inspection and Certification solutions for our customers' operations and supply chains.

Intertek is a purpose-led company to Bring Quality, Safety and Sustainability to Life. We provide 24/7 mission-critical quality assurance solutions to our clients to ensure that they can operate with well-functioning supply chains in each of their operations.

Our Customer Promise is: Intertek Total Quality Assurance expertise, delivered consistently, with precision, pace and passion, enabling our customers to power ahead safely.

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