Canada-Côte d'Ivoire relations
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Bilateral relations
Bilateral relations between Canada and Côte d'Ivoire are close and cordial. The two countries established diplomatic relations in 1962, shortly after Côte d'Ivoire's independence in 1960. The year 2022 commemorated 60 years of a fruitful and dynamic partnership. The two countries frequently collaborate in international and multilateral organizations, such as the United Nations, La Francophonie and the African Development Bank.
In Côte d’Ivoire, Canada has been represented by the Embassy of Canada to Côte d'Ivoire in Abidjan since 1970.
Cote d’Ivoire has been represented in Canada by the Embassy of Côte d'Ivoire in Canada since 1972.
Trade relations
Canada's trade relationship with Côte d'Ivoire has significant growth potential, particularly in the extractive sectors, infrastructure, agriculture, education, clean technology, renewable energy and organic agriculture to name a few. Canada is a major partner and a key player in the Ivorian economy with Canadian direct investments of more than $365 million in 2023 and assets in the mining sector estimated at $1.3 billion in 2022. In 2023, Canadian exports to Côte d'Ivoire rose to $131.1 million, an increase of 59% compared to 2021. Motor and air vehicles, machinery and cereals were among Canada's top exports. Imports from Côte d’Ivoire reached $425.7 million in 2023. Cocoa, rubber, fruits and nuts were among the main imports from Côte d'Ivoire.
Bilateral trade between Canada and Côte d’Ivoire continues to be boosted by the Foreign Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, which entered into force in December 2015. The two countries also signed a tax treaty in 1983 with a view to . An air transport agreement was signed in 1987 and revised in 2019, to facilitate codeshare agreements.
Côte d'Ivoire shows a desire to diversify trade, and its bilateral trade relations with Canada continue to grow. On February 24, 2022, Minister Ng concluded a successful virtual trade mission to Côte d'Ivoire for women-owned and women-led businesses.
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Development
Canadian development cooperation in Côte d'Ivoire aims to support the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly SDG #5 on gender equality. Canada’s bilateral development program in Côte d’Ivoire focuses on gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls, in line with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy. The goal of improving the living conditions of the poorest and most vulnerable is pursued through the 3 thematic areas of the Policy:
- Human dignity: This includes efforts to improve girls' education and access to quality hygiene and health services, particularly in relation to sexual and reproductive health and rights, as well as preventing and addressing gender-based violence;
- Growth that works for everyone: This involves promoting the economic empowerment of women and girls, particularly in rural areas, by supporting rural entrepreneurship and food security, and by creating diverse economic opportunities; and
- Inclusive governance: This thematic area focuses on supporting the equal rights and participation of women and vulnerable and marginalized groups in democratic and decision-making processes. It also aims to strengthen inclusive governance systems and gender equality within national and local administrations and governments, civil society, and communities. Special attention is given to building resilience among populations in the north of Côte d’Ivoire who are affected by the crisis in the Sahel.
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Canada has provided significant support to prevent the spread of the virus and address immediate needs for education and gender-based violence.
In 2022-2023, Canada's international assistance to Côte d'Ivoire totaled $88.5 million.
Consult the for more information on development projects in Côte d'Ivoire or Canada’s International Assistance Expenditures dashboard for more details.
Partnerships and organizations
To develop effective responses to today’s most pressing global challenges, Canada and Côte d'Ivoire work closely in multilateral fora, such as:
- La Francophonie
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Open Government Partnership (OGP)
- United Nations (UN)
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO)
- World Trade Organization (WTO)
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