Pointe-Noire Business Forum / Étienne GIROS, PR of CIAN, invites French entrepreneurs and investors to get involved in the Congo – AfricaPresse.Paris

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by Alfred MIGNOT for AfricaPresse.Paris (APP)
@africa_presse

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Former manager of the Bolloré group for its activities in Africa, Étienne Giros was delighted to reconnect with a tune he knew. “I often had the opportunity to go to the port of Pointe-Noire in a previous life. It is with emotion that I note its remarkable evolution over the past thirty years. Congratulations to all stakeholders, public and private, for what has been achieved,” he said in the introduction.

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Three main ideas
for development
of the port and the area

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Étienne Giros then discussed three main ideas that he said emerged from the forum’s discussions and are essential for the development of port and economic infrastructure in Africa.

1. Value creation and local entrepreneurship – The President of the CIAN expressed the need to “leave the curse of raw materials”, regarding the dependence of many African countries on their natural resources such as oil, wood or minerals.

According to him, the Congo, which is rich in raw materials, must be able to transform part of these resources locally in order to create value and jobs, especially for young people. “A well-functioning deep-water port is essential for the creation of this value, as it enables both the import of inputs and the export of raw or finished products,” he said.

2. The importance of regionalization to increase the size of markets – As a representative of companies operating in Africa, Étienne Giros spoke about the dilemma faced by businessmen and financiers: the need for stability and long-term visibility for investment, while at the same time taking into account your danger. “The size of markets is also critical to taking risks,” he said.

Regionalization – with the establishment of the ZLECAF (African Free Trade Area), logistics corridors, and the combination of transport methods – is therefore a priority to increase the size of markets and create investment opportunities.

3. The importance of a complete comprehensive infrastructure – Étienne Giros also insisted that a modern and efficient port must be part of a wider set of well-coordinated infrastructures. “If there are no good roads leaving the port, if the electricity is short, or if the railway is too slow, the investment will not be effective,” he said.

According to him, all infrastructure players must work together, without division, so that the port and the entire logistics chain work optimally.

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Attract investors
and encourage partnerships

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In order to achieve the objectives of developing activities, Étienne Giros recalled the prerequisites for the transfer of several actors, both for the Pointe-Noire region and more widely throughout the continent, and ‘ each participant had to “do their part”:

Public authorities – Create a favorable business environment and provide stability. “The investor does not ask for benefits or subsidies, but for a clear vision and the continuity of this vision. The port of Pointe Noire is part of a long-term vision, it is an asset for investors. »

The operators – “You have to take risks, overcome the fear of uncertainty, and start investments, especially in the port of Pointe Noire and everything that surrounds it. »

Partnerships – Success requires cooperation. “The days of going it alone are over. European and French companies must join forces with local partners to ensure the success of their projects. »

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Call
to French investors

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Étienne Giros concluded his speech by thanking the Pointe-Noire port authorities and the Congolese authorities for choosing Paris for this forum, highlighting the increase in competition from international players such as the Chinese, the Indians, the Turks…

Speaking to French entrepreneurs and investors, he said: “It is up to us to respond positively to this call and seize these opportunities. Let’s overcome risk and work together to develop these awesome capabilities. »

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CAAP XIV: Nine ambassadors and a full house at UNESCO for the XIV^e Paris Ambassadors Conference, dedicated to cultural diplomacy, on September 25 (reports currently being written).

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THE XV^e The AFRICAN OF PARIS Ambassadors Conference will be held at the end of November, on the subject:

“Rail network projects,
Africa’s future infrastructure »

Expert panellists of candidates and corporate sponsors who wish to participate, please contact: [email protected]

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