The Minister for the City, François Albert Amichia, on a mission to Paris (France), had a working session on May 16 with member companies of Business France. A structure responsible, among other things, for the international development of French companies and international investments in France.

Companies specializing in renewable energies, transport and urban development have shown their willingness to support Côte d'Ivoire in the implementation of its national policy.

Indeed, in view of the seminar for the formulation of the national policy of the City scheduled for June 12 to 15, in Abidjan, François Albert Amichia, Minister of the City, is in France to consolidate his relations with French technical and financial partners. . And this, to bring them to provide support to Côte d'Ivoire in its urban policy. Thus, a presentation on the urban project which should allow the municipality of Songon to show a modern face was presented. “Songon will soon be a role model. Its design will be thought out by experts and the government to build an ecological city, with means of transport different from those used in Abidjan,” revealed the minister. According to him, other localities including Bingerville, Korhogo, Yamoussoukro and San Pedro, will be subject to major restructuring to meet the requirements of urban planning, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals. And these projects should take shape in the near future, mainly in the host cities of the 2023 African Cup of Nations.

As for Benoît Trivulce, Deputy Managing Director of Business France, he reassured the Minister about the ability of French companies to provide innovative and sustainable solutions to urban issues in Côte d'Ivoire. They are also committed to investing in the implementation of concrete projects, resulting from the conclusions of the reflections on the national policy of the City.

François Amichia also discussed with Sébastien Decaux, leader in furniture and advertising in transport. They agreed that signage can be an important solution. While giving pride of place to embellishment. With the partners of the Institute for Development and Urban Planning (Iau) of the Île-de-France region, discussions focused on cooperation. Namely, the possibility of opening a center of excellence for urban innovation or urban trades and of making operational the Abidjan Urbanization Agency, in connection with the autonomous district of Abidjan. Their support in the implementation of the Concerted Development Programs of the Ministry of the City cannot be excluded.

Several partners have decided to come to Côte d'Ivoire to immerse themselves in the urban situation of the country and plan to support François Amichia for the success of his mission.