In January, 2014 the delegation from PPG/PPG Global LLC embarked upon their business development opportunities with Cote d’Ivoire Africa. By special invitation of the Ambassador of Cote d’Ivoire; Daouda DIABETE’ and the Senior Minister of Employment, Social Affairs and Professional Training; Moussa DOSSO the delegation was also extended the opportunity to attend the Cote d’Ivoire Investment Forum from January 29, 2014 through February 1, 2014. As one of private sector company’s to participate in this international forum of over three thousand attendees. Representing the PPG/PPG Global LLC delegation were; Darryl King; Managing Principal/CEO, Sahira Abdool; Principal/CAO, Theo Lawrence; CIO and Jerry Bustamante; Manager of Business Development.
Cote D’Ivoire has been defined as the new business hub for the West African sub-region to access the vast market of about 300 million people whose nations comprise the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS); which is headed by the President of Cote D’Ivoire; His Excellency Alassane Quattara. The Quattara administration has created the most business and investment friendly environment in the country’s history, with plans to make it an emerging country in 2020.
The current administration has designed and is implementing an economic growth and recovery plan that is rooted in the commitment to a peaceful and prosperous Cote d’Ivoire for all. In 2012, the economic recovery yielded a real GDP growth rate of 9.8%, carried by a significant demand for public investment, and the dynamism of secondary and tertiary sectors. The goal of Cote D’Ivoire is to reach double digit GDP growth rates by 2014 -2015.
Since PPG Global’s attendance at this impressively held international conference, we received a very welcoming and embracing reception by the Republic of Cote D’Ivoire and have been successful in confirming multiple project agreements. Under the strategic leadership of Darryl King; Managing Principal/CEO and Sahira Abdool; Principal/CAO they were able to complete their first executed agreement during their attendance at the Cote D’Ivoire Investment Forum in February, 2014. This required the dedicated support and assistance of the entire PPG Global team members who were exceptional in being ready for the global expansion in the most collaborative, expedient and efficient manner.
The milestone accomplishment was the signing of the agreement by the Ministry of Sports and Leisure; H.E. Alain Michel LOBOGNON for the iconic project of the Sports School and Stadium in Bouake to serve 1,000 students. This project is to improve the quality of life for the people of Cote D’Ivoire and specifically the youth by providing them a facility equipped with modern and academic state of the art and technologically advanced sports materials; a facility that is designed with safety measures, security and flexibility to host youth competing in sports at a national level of optimal conditions. We have had three delegation visits between the Ministry of Sports and Leisure and PPG Global, LLC to work on the conceptual layout for the Sports School and Stadium to seat up to 10K people and preparing for the next phase in the project. We extend a special thank you to the Minister and the Ministry of Sports and Leisure for the overwhelming support and assistance with getting this first Protocol of Agreement executed with PPG Global, LLC.
This ignited international press coverage and additional commitments between the Republic of Cote D’Ivoire and PPG Global. The next agreement that was signed was with General Director of IPS CGRAE; Abdrahamane T. BERTE. This client is the municipal retiree fund for workers of the Republic of Cote D’Ivoire as well as the IPS CGRAE Board of Directors. This project has moved to mobilization phase within a year’s time and we have been able to begin the commencement of the Feasibility Study; for six therapeutic and wellness facilities throughout Abidjan and surrounding areas. This is another project for the people of Abidjan that will become a flagship model medical center that will represent quality healthcare, technology medicine, training and center services specifically designed for the needs of the retirees. This facility should also be a “green facility” and bring in the environmental attributes of the area and to bring in all aged populations to the Wellness center to bridge the communication and interaction of all ages as well as the people of Abidjan to seek the benefits of the center. This project is to also create 285 direct and more than 200 indirect jobs for the people and surrounding areas of Abidjan. We also must recognize the tremendous support, extreme level of professionalism and organization of the IPS CGRAE General Director, Board of Directors and all of their resource staff that worked to get this project agreement to fruition. Their day to day operation is impeccably managed and their team members have welcomed PPG Global as part of their expanded team.