The Republic of Ivory Coast seeks support from Muslim countries, especially Pakistan, in achieving economic development and political stability in the country.
A high-powered delegation led by Moustapha Diaby, who is a presidential candidate in October elections in the Republic, is on a four-day visit to Pakistan to discuss co-operation in all fields.
Addressing a press conference with Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) President Khalid Feroz on Thursday, he said that he was extremely impressed by the economic development and political stability achieved by Pakistan under General Musharraf's leadership and needs guidance for the development of his country after he takes over the office of president.
He was accompanied by Vice President of the Ivory Coast Chamber of Commerce Yousuf who said that his country was Number One in coffee and cocoa production in the world and is rich in natural resources such as iron, gold and diamond.
There is a great scope for Pakistani businessmen to invest in projects in that country, which has no restriction on repatriation of profits or investment. The rate of tax on profits earned in the country is 30 percent. To a question, he said that trade volume of Ivory Coast was not very high. Its exports are that of $1 billion as compared to imports worth $2 billion.
Ivory Coast is basically an agricultural country producing about 350,000 bales of cotton, but it wants to start a programme of industrialisation by setting up manufacturing units in different fields.
He invited the Pakistani industrialists to set up industries in the country, which offers lucrative incentives to the investors.
Ivory Coast has a population of 30 million, 60 percent of which are Muslims. Moustapha is the first Muslim candidate contesting for presidentship in the country's history.