Comment from Jean Kacou DIAGOU, CGECI

CGECI, the key business association in Côte d’Ivoire is pleased to submit this comment in support for the reinstatement of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire as a beneficiary country under the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA). Our association includes members from insurance, banking, petroleum, construction, automobile, agribusiness and forestry, cocoa, ITC, import and export industry and services organizations in Côte d’Ivoire During the last seven years of the socio-political crisis in the country, our association has been a leading spokesman for the private sector. Our role has been instrumental in the resolution of some conflicts between US companies and its partners and government. Our organisation has also been lobbying for peace and political normalization in the country. The current socio-political situation is favorable for the organization of presidential elections scheduled end of October 2010. Given the new positive developments observed in the socio-political scene, such as the preparations for the general elections scheduled soon, our organization is happy to submit this comment and strongly recommend the reinstatement of Côte d’Ivoire as a beneficiary country to AGOA for year 2011.