From June 7 to 8, 2024, upon the invitation of Commercial Counselor Kouya from the Embassy of Côte d’Ivoire in China, Zhu Chen, Chairman of Mainland Group, led the General Manager of West Africa Holding Company and the General Manager of West Africa Rubber Company to BEAPLEU Village in Danané, Montagnes Region, Côte d’Ivoire, to attend the local investment promotion conference.

On the way, Chairman Zhu Chen invited Counselor Kouya to visit Mainland Group’s No. 2 Rubber Plant in Diékoué. Counselor Kouya spoke highly of and praised the scale of investment in the plant.

During breakfast on the 8th, Chairman Zhu Chen met Honorable Taly Evelyne, a member of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, and local government officials of BEAPLEU Village at the hotel. The two sides held friendly exchanges and gained a preliminary understanding of local crop cultivation and the government departments’ plans for agricultural development.

 After the meeting, a welcome ceremony was held in BEAPLEU Village to receive the delegation of Mainland Group. On behalf of the Group, Chairman Zhu Chen extended greetings to the villagers.

 Led by Counselor Kouya, the delegation visited the famous vine rope bridge in the Kawala virgin forest in the village.

 The group then toured the local farm and breeding center, acquiring a deeper understanding of local customs and crop cultivation conditions.

 At lunchtime, at the residence of Honorable Taly Evelyne, a member of the National Assembly of Côte d’Ivoire, Chairman Zhu Chen met with representatives of local chiefs, who extended a warm welcome to the Mainland Group delegation. Chairman Zhu Chen expressed his gratitude and showed strong great interest in investing locally. After lunch, Chairman Zhu Chen held friendly talks with Mr. Mabri Toikeuse, Member of the Presidential Advisory Council and Minister of State of Côte d’Ivoire. Chairman Zhu Chen briefed him on Mainland Group’s investments in Côte d’Ivoire, future investment plans and investment policy requirements. The advisor pledged full support for the Group’s investment needs in the country. Both sides agreed to conduct further detailed discussions in Abidjan at a later stage.

 At 3:30 p.m., the delegation of Mainland Group attended the investment promotion conference together with Advisor Mabri, Parliamentarian Taly Evelyne, Counselor Kouya and tribal chief representatives. At the event, Chairman Zhu Chen was conferred the title of tribal chief by BEAPLEU Village and invited to deliver a speech on stage. Chairman Zhu remarked that Côte d’Ivoire is a beautiful country and Danané is a dynamic city endowed with abundant resources and friendly people. Mainland Group is very interested in investing here. He also expressed the hope to make efforts to facilitate the establishment of sister-city relations between Danané and Yueyang City of Hunan Province, so as to build a bridge for ChinaCôte d’Ivoire friendship. In the evening, Mr. Khalifa, Mayor of Danané, together with 15 tribal chiefs, received the Mainland Group delegation at Danané City Hall. The mayor elaborated on the distribution of agricultural resources in Danané, expressing strong hopes that Mainland Group would invest locally to drive economic growth. He presented a key symbolizing his hope that Mainland Group would open the door to Danané, expressing that the city’s door is always open to Mainland Group. Chairman Zhu Chen thanked the mayor for the warm reception, noting that Danané boasts many resources related to Mainland Group’s industries, and the Group will formulate an appropriate investment plan after conducting research. Both parties agreed to maintain close communication, laying a solid foundation for future cooperation. 

Participating in this investment promotion conference in Côte d’Ivoire marks a practical effort by Mainland Group to actively respond to the Belt and Road Initiative and support Africa’s development. Adhering to the philosophy of openness, cooperation and win-win outcomes, Mainland Group will continue to deepen its presence in Africa’s agricultural product market, explore new models and paths for China-Africa agricultural cooperation, and contribute Mainland’s strength to further deepening China-Africa economic and trade relations.