WORLD TRADE  
ORGANIZATION   
WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 
18 October 2012 
 (12-5653) 
Trade Policy Review Body Original: French 
  
 
   
 
TRADE POLICY REVIEW 
 
Reports by 
 
CÔTE D'IVOIRE, 
GUINEA-BISSAU 
and TOGO 
 
Revision 
 
 
 
 
Pursuant to the Agreement Establishing the Trade Policy Review Mechanism (Annex 3 of the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization), the policy statements by Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo 
are attached. 
 
 Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
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  CONTENTS 
 
  Page 
REPORT BY CÔTE D'IVOIRE 7 
I. INTRODUCTION 7 
II. OVERVIEW  7 
(1) G EOGRAPHICAL SITUATION OF CÔTE D 'IVOIRE  7 
(2) E CONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE  7 
(3) C HARACTERISTICS OF THE IVORIAN ECONOMY  7 
(i) Primary sector 8 (ii) Secondary sector 8 
(iii) Tertiary sector 8 
(4) E
CONOMIC TRENDS  8 
III. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT 9 
(1) G OVERNANCE  9 
(2) E MPLOYMENT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS  10 
(3) E NVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT POLICY  10 
(4) I NFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT) 10 
(5) T RADE AGREEMENTS  10 
(6) P OSITIONS TAKEN BY CÔTE D 'IVOIRE IN THE DOHA ROUND NEGOTIATIONS  11 
IV. TRADE POLICY 11 
(1) O BJECTIVES AND OUTLOOK  11 
(i) Objectives 11 
(ii) Outlook 12 
(2) T RADE POLICY MEASURES  12 
(i) Trade measures directly affecting imports 12 
(ii) Trade measures direc tly affecting exports 15 
(iii) Measures affecting produc tion, investment and trade 17 
V. SECTORAL POLICIES 19 
(1) A GRICULTURE  19 
(i) Coffee and cocoa 19 
(ii) Cashew nuts 20 
(iii) Oilseed 20 (iv) Cotton and textiles 20 
(v) Rubber 20 
(vi) Pineapples and bananas 21 (vii) Kola and karité 21 
(viii) Wood 21 WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
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    Page 
 
(2) L IVESTOCK RAISING AND FISHING  21 
(i) Livestock raising 21 (ii) Fishing 22 
(3) P
ACKAGING  22 
(4) M INING , PETROLEUM AND ENERGY  22 
(5) T ELECOMMUNICATIONS AND ICT 23 
(6) T OURISM AND HANDICRAFTS  23 
(7) T RANSPORT  24 
(8) F INANCIAL SERVICES (BANKING , INSURANCE AND OTHER FINANCIAL SERVICES ) 24 
(9) I NDUSTRY  25 
(10) P HARMACEUTICAL AND PARA -PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT SECTOR  25 
(11) F ERTILIZER TRADE  26 
(12) H OUSING  26 
VI. NEED FOR ASSISTANCE AND AID FOR TRADE 26 
(1) T RADE -RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE BALANCE SHEET  26 
(2) T ECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  26 
VII. CONCLUSION 27 
REPORT BY GUINEA-BISSAU 29 
REPORT BY TOGO  31 
I. OVERVIEW  31 
II. MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 31 
(1) M ACROECONOMIC POLICY  32 
(i) Economic situation 32 
(ii) Economic outlook 32 
(2) F OREIGN INVESTMENT REGIME  33 
III. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES 33 
(1) G ENERAL TRADE POLICY OBJECTIVES  33 
(2) T RADE LAWS AND REGULATIONS  34 
(i) Foreign trade 34 
(ii) Domestic trade 34 
(iii) Fiscal measures 34 (iv) Tariff measures 34 
(v) Trade support structures 35 
(vi) Trade agreements 35 (vii) Togo's commitments under the WTO Agreement 35 
(viii) Trade-related tec hnical assistance 36 Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
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    Page 
IV. SECTORAL POLICIES 36 
(1) A GRICULTURE  36 
(2) E NVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT  37 
(3) I NDUSTRY , MINING , HANDICRAFTS AND SERVICES  37 
(i) Industry 37 
(ii) Mining 37 (iii) Handicrafts 37 
(iv) Services 38 
V. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 39 ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 40 
 
  Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
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  REPORT BY CÔTE D'IVOIRE 
 
 
I. INTRODUCTION 
1. By ratifying the Final Act establishing the World Trade Organization in January 1995, 
Côte d'Ivoire became one of the WTO's original Members.  The country went on to submit its first 
trade policy review in that same year, since th en it has undertaken various institutional, economic, 
financial and administrative reforms with a view to  its progressive and positive integration into world 
trade.  However, since 1999, it has experienced a cy cle of socio-political instability, which has had the 
effect of slowing down its so cial and economic development. 
2. After ten years of crisis, the presidential elections which led to Mr Alassane OUATTARA 
being elected to the country's highest office ope ned up fresh prospects for the national economy. 
3. This second trade policy review, which comes 17 ye ars after the first in 1995, will stress the 
range of reforms relating to the institutional and political framework, governance in various fields, the 
economic environment and sectoral development polic ies.  The positions taken by Côte d'Ivoire 
within the Doha Development Round will also be d escribed, together with its needs for technical 
assistance and aid for trade. 
II. OVERVIEW 
(1) GEOGRAPHICAL SITUATION OF CÔTE D 'IVOIRE  
4. Situated in West Africa, Côte d'Ivoire ex tends over an area of 322,462 km².  It has 
Yamoussoukro as its political capital and Abidjan as its economic capital.  Its mainly youthful 
population was estimated at around 20.8 million in 2008.  Four large rive rs (Bandama, Comoé, 
Sassandra and Cavally), on which hydroelectric dams  have been built, supply the entire country with 
electricity.  The diversity of the climate determines the existence of two extensive ecosystems:  forest 
and savannah.  Côte d'Ivoire is an essentially agricultural country. 
5. For administrative purposes, the country is divided into 14 districts, including 
two autonomous districts (Abidjan and Yamoussouk ro), 30 administrative regions, 95 departments, 
497 sub-prefectures and 197 communes. 
(2) ECONOMIC INFRASTRUCTURE  
6. Since independence, investment in infrastructur e has enabled the country to equip itself with 
roads, railways, ports, airports and power plants.  Côte d'Ivoire has two ports on the Atlantic coast 
(the Autonomous Port of Abidjan and the Autono mous Port of San Pedro), which also serve the 
neighbouring countries of the hinterland. 
(3) CHARACTERISTICS OF THE IVORIAN ECONOMY  
7. Côte d'Ivoire, with a per capita GDP of US $1,048.6 in 2010, is a developing economy.  
The poverty index stands at 48.9 per cent.  The eco nomy is dominated by exports of so-called cash 
crops, particularly cocoa and coffee, sectors in which Côte d'Ivoire ranks first and sixth in the world, 
respectively.  In 2010, the primary sector's share of  GDP was estimated at 28.7 per cent, and those of 
the secondary and tertiary sectors at 21.3 per cent a nd 36.8 per cent, respectively.  Non-market GDP is 
estimated at 13.2 per cent. WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
Page 8 
  
  8. Since 1999, the annual average rate of growth has fallen sharply due to successive 
socio-political crises. 
(i) Primary sector 
9. The primary sector, consisting essentially of the coffee, cocoa and cotton subsectors, is 
characterized by traditional cultivation practices si nce the producers lack access to high-yield planting 
material.  In addition, agriculture is sufferi ng from an increased shortage of financing. 
10. In general, the industrial processing of agricultu ral products is not sufficient to drive strong 
economic growth. 
(ii) Secondary sector 
11. Industry makes up the bulk of the formal privat e sector and in 2010 comprised 24 branches.  
The agri-food and chemical industries account fo r 33 per cent and 28.5 per cent of the national 
industrial fabric, respectively.  These two large sectors are followed by the power and water industries, miscellaneous industries and the structural  metals industries, with 8.9 per cent, 8 per cent 
and 5.3 per cent of the national industrial fabric, r espectively.  Finally, the wood industries, textile and 
footwear industries, the mechanical engineeri ng, automotive and electrical industries, and the 
extractive industries represent 5 per cent, 4.6 per cen t, 3.9 per cent and 2.8 per cent of the fabric, 
respectively.  In 2010, Côte d'Ivoire had a total of 2,402 industrial enterprises with more 
than ten employees, of which 1,296 were in agri-food and fishing. 
(iii) Tertiary sector 
12. The tertiary sector accounted for 36.8 per cent of GDP in 2010.  Its contribution to economic 
growth is being held back by the difficulties f aced by certain tradeable services, namely, (i) the 
informal nature of land transport and trade, ( ii) disorganized distribution channels, the rundown 
condition and inadequacy of the rail transport infrast ructure, (iii) the poor access of the population to 
banking services, and (iv) an undeveloped tourism sector now in sharp decline. 
(4) E
CONOMIC TRENDS  
13. Because of the events of the last ten years,  the Ivorian economy has underperformed.  At the 
beginning of the crisis exports fell slightly but then returned to fairly steady growth, reaching 
CFAF 5,063 billion in 2010.  The trade balance is structurally in surplus and amounted to 
CFAF 1,181 billion in 2010. 
14. In 2010, Côte d'Ivoire's five main customer s were Germany (11 per cent), the United States 
(10.4 per cent), the Netherlands (10 per cent), Nigeri a (9.5 per cent) and France (6.5 per cent), and its 
main suppliers were Nigeria (32.1 per cent), France (15.2 per cent), China (7.9 per cent) and Thailand 
(3.9 per cent), respectively. 
15. Since fiscal year 2000, financial administration in  general and tax administration in particular 
have performed remarkably well.  In fact, tax receipts rose from CFAF 576 billion in 2000 to 1,008 billion in 2010, i.e. at an average annual gr owth rate of 5.7 per cent, significantly higher than 
the rate of growth in economic activity over the period. 
16. Customs revenue (excluding security tax) rose from CFAF 696 billion to CFAF 931 billion 
in 2010 and CFAF 824 billion in 2011. Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
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  17. Tax reform had the following objectives: 
   To improve the capacity and organiza tion of the Tax Administration's services; 
   to support business;    to support the Government's social policy; 
   to simplify and rationalize the tax system;  and 
   to improve the State's financial resources.  18. Since the end of the 1990s, Côte d'Ivoire's econo my has evolved within the context of a series 
of socio-political and military crises.  However, thanks to the implementation of the crisis exit 
programme initiated by the President of the Republ ic, H.E. Alassane Ouattara, the Ivorian economy 
has begun a recovery which should lead to its growing at an average annual rate of 6 per cent over the 
period 2012-2015. 
III. BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT 
(1) G
OVERNANCE  
19. Political and institutional governance has progressed thanks to various reforms.  These have 
involved the establishment of several institutions, namely, the National Secretariat for Governance 
and Capacity Building (SNGRC), the Independent Electoral Commission (CEI), the National Commission for Human Rights of Côte d'Ivoire (CNDHCI), and the Information and Government 
Communication Centre (CICG), as well as the creation of websites for the main institutions. 
20. Where administrative governance is concerned, the State, with a view to providing public 
services for the whole of the population, opted to  devolve its services and establish decentralized 
entities.  This choice has enabled Côte d'Ivoire to e quip itself with infrastructure, in particular in the 
areas of education, health, security and justice. 
21. With respect to judicial governance, Côte d'I voire has a Supreme Court, three Courts of 
Appeal and 34 courts of first instance.  This syst em has recently, in 2012, been supplemented with 
commercial courts. 
22. In the area of economic governance, the Stat e has installed several systems for the 
computerized management of administrative procedures, in particular in the fields of public finances (Integrated Public Finances Management System (SIGFIP)), taxes, customs (SYDAM World), and 
government procurement.  Moreover, Côte d'Ivoi re is engaged in setting up a Single Window for 
Foreign Trade (GUCE) intended to speed up, facilita te and rationalize the procedures associated with 
import and export operations. 
23. At institutional level, several regulatory auth orities have been established with a view to 
improving the functioning of the sectors concerned.   These include the National Regulatory Authority 
for Government Procurement (ANRMP), the Nationa l Regulatory Authority for Electricity (ANARE), 
the Telecommunications Agency of Côte d'Ivoire (ATCI), the Regulatory Authority for Cotton and 
Cashew Nuts (ARECA), the Coffee-Cocoa Council, etc. 
24. Structural reforms essential for reinforcing grow th are in process of being introduced.  They 
are aimed at urgently reducing the structural deficit in the electricity sector and improving productivity in the coffee-cocoa subsector. WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
Page 10 
  
  (2) EMPLOYMENT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF TECHNICAL AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS  
25. The private sector is based on a young and qua lified workforce.  In fact, in line with its 
economic and social development objectives, Côte d'Ivoire has pursued, since independence, a bold 
and diversified education and training policy that  has enabled it to supply the public and private 
sectors with the necessary senior and middle managers and engineers. 
26. The total declared labour force in the modern  sector is estimated at 635,000, made up 
of 150,000 in the public and 485,000 in the private sector. 
27. The Government's new strategic plans for technical education are aimed at broadening access 
to technical training at secondary level. 
(3) ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT POLICY  
28. Côte d'Ivoire's commitment to the internationa l dialogue on the protection of environmental 
resources was given concrete form by creating a Ministry for the Environment and Sustainable Development, as well as by acceding to various treati es, international agreements and conventions.  
These include the Vienna Convention for the Prot ection of the Ozone Layer, the Convention on 
International Trade in Endangered Species of W ild Fauna and Flora, the Bamako Convention on the 
Ban of the Import into Africa and the Control of Transboundary Movement  and Management of 
Hazardous Wastes within Africa, the Basel Conven tion on the Control of Transboundary Movements 
of Hazardous Wastes and their Disposal and the post-Rio Conventions (cli mate change, biological 
diversity and desertification), which could have an impact on the country's economic situation. 
29. Since 1996, Côte d'Ivoire has had an Environmen t Code.  However, a more cohesive political, 
legal and regulatory framework needs to be put in place. 
30. Operational bodies to ensure a healthy environm ent have been created, namely, the National 
Environment Agency (ANDE), the Ivorian Office of Parks and Nature Reserves (OIPR) and the 
Ivorian Antipollution Centre (CIAPOL). 
(4) I
NFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGIES (ICT) 
31. Information and communication technologies (ICT) have expanded remarkably in the last ten 
years.  In 2006, investment amounted to CFAF 139.2 billion for mobile telephony and 
CFAF 10.6 billion for fixed telephony.   It generated 100,000 direct and indirect jobs, including 1,692 
direct jobs in mobile telephony and 1,206 in fixed telephony.  This sector is one of the most dynamic 
in the Ivorian economy and annually brings in about CFAF 70 billion in VAT.  It is based on the existence of modern high quality infrastructure and a favourable market.  The emergence of ICT has 
led to the appearance of new services that are faster and simpler to use. 
(5) T
RADE AGREEMENTS  
32. Côte d'Ivoire is party to several internati onal and regional agreements and a member of 
intergovernmental organizations such as the WTO,  the World Bank, the IMF, the African Union, 
ECOWAS, WAEMU, the Mano River Union, COPAL, ICO, ICCO, IACO, the Common Fund for 
Commodities, the African Timber Organization, the International Tropical Timber Organization 
(ITTO), etc. Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
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  33. Moreover, on 26 November 2008, Côte d'Ivoire  signed an Interim Economic Partnership 
Agreement (IEPA) with the European Union concerni ng the liberalization of 80 per cent of its market, 
pending the conclusion of an EPA at West Africa regional level.  This EPA was notified to the WTO 
on 11 December 2008.  A sunset clause provides for the agreement to be annulled in favour of the 
regional EPA as soon as the latter is signed. 
34. Likewise, on 25 October 2011 Côte d'Ivoire agai n became eligible for the AGOA.  This 
eligibility improves and strengthens its position in terms of access to United States markets and the 
attraction of foreign direct investment. 
35. Finally, under the aegis of WAEMU, Côte d'I voire is participating in the negotiations on 
future preferential trade agreements with Tunisia, Morocco and Algeria. 
(6) POSITIONS TAKEN BY CÔTE D 'IVOIRE IN THE DOHA ROUND NEGOTIATIONS  
36. The positions taken by Côte d'Ivoire in the D oha Round trade negotiations match those of the 
African Group in all the areas of negotiation. 
37. In particular, Côte d'Ivoire is concerned a bout the serious distortion of market access for 
agricultural products by some Me mbers of the WTO, resulting from the adoption of mandatory or 
non-mandatory rules and regulations concerning issues that have not been the subject of negotiations 
within the WTO. 
38. Likewise, with regard to preference erosion, Côte d'Ivoire is also requesting that the 
combinations of commitments in the areas of tari ff quotas and tariff reductions take into account the 
concerns of developing country Members benefiting from non-reciprocal preferences.  In this respect, 
the conversion of preference erosion into technical  and financial assistance could help to improve 
their export offer. 
39. Côte d'Ivoire is asking for the developed count ries to respect the programme for the reduction 
of domestic support measures with distorting effect s on trade and production, particularly where 
cotton is concerned. 
40. Where basic products are concerned, Côte d'I voire, a developing country reliant mainly on 
cocoa, coffee, cotton fibre, rubber, and timber, a ttaches great importance to the examination of this 
issue within the framework of the present negotiations, in the name of the right to development for all. 
IV. TRADE POLICY 
(1) OBJECTIVES AND OUTLOOK  
(i) Objectives 
41. Since the first decades of independence, the obj ectives of Côte d'Ivoire's trade policy have 
been based on economic liberalism a nd openness to the outside world. 
42. This commitment is reflected in a policy of  incentives and liberal measures in favour of 
investment, both domestic and foreign, expressed in the adoption of a new and more attractive 
investment code and a new competition law based on the provisions of the community regulations. WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
Page 12 
  
  43. Furthermore, the policy of liberalization and pr ivatization is being c ontinued and extended to 
all sectors of the economy, against a backdrop of si mplification and rationalization of administrative 
procedures involving the conversion of mo st paper documents to electronic form. 
(ii) Outlook 
44. After a decade of economic sl owdown and even stagnation, th e Government is intending to 
implement an economic and financial programme fo r the period 2011-2014 based on the promotion of 
investment.  This programme is aimed at achie ving strong, sustained and job-creating growth, 
combating poverty and making progress towards realizing the Millennium Development Goals (MDG).  These objectives are also consistent with those of the National Development Plan 
(PND), which will serve as a frame of reference for the dialogue with civil society and the 
development partners. 
45. A global strategy for the development of the fi nancial sector will be  drawn up and adopted.  
During the first quarter of 2012, the Government, with the technical and financial assistance of the 
IMF and the World Bank, initiated five studies rela ting mainly to the mechanisms for financing 
housing, SME/SMIs and food farming, the role of th e State in the financial sector, and the cost of 
credit.  The conclusions of these studies contributed to the finalization of the PND adopted 
on 28 March 2012. 
46. The Government also intends to modernize, ra tionalize and speed up trad e-related procedures 
and formalities and to improve the flow of goods traffic thanks, among other things, to the rapid 
implementation of trade facilitation measures such as the project to create a virtual platform to be 
known as the Single Window for Foreign Trade (GUCE)  and the construction of juxtaposed border 
control posts. 
47. The State will support the WAMU Banking Commission in monitoring banks for compliance 
with the prudential regulations.  Moreover, the G overnment will pursue its efforts to follow up the 
restructuring of banks in difficulty, without injecting new public resources into the majority State-owned banks.  Where micro-finance is concerne d, it intends to continue reforming the sector by 
making provision for regular audits and tightenin g up the conditions for obtaining approval. 
48. The Government's aim is to progress from a state of fragility to one of resilience.  To this end, 
it will put in place a permanent framework for the an alysis and assessment of fragility and formulate a 
strategic stabilization plan. 
(2) T
RADE POLICY MEASURES  
(i) Trade measures directly affecting imports 
(a) Registration, documents and inspection 
49. Any natural or legal person wish ing to engage in a foreign trade activity must first obtain an 
importer-exporter code number, va lidated annually by regularization of the fiscal charges. 
50. All imports with a value (f.o.b.) of CFAF 500,000 or more must pass through a procedure 
involving the completion of an Import Information Form (FRI), i.e. an order for a qualitative, 
quantitative and price comparison inspection, carried  out by an inspection company, for goods or 
merchandise imported in bulk.  G oods and merchandise imported in c ontainers are scanned on arrival 
by a private company commissioned for the purpose. Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
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  (b) Customs duties 
51. At importation, responsibility for the determinati on of the rate of cust oms duties and taxes is 
divided between the community (WAEMU) and the national authorities. 
52. WAEMU is responsible for fixing the Common Ex ternal Tariff (CET) duty rate, which varies 
from 2 to 22 per cent.  Taxation in Côte d'Ivoire is ad valorem .  The CET includes permanent duties 
(customs duties, statistical fee, community soli darity levy) and temporary taxes (the degressive 
protection tax (TDP) and the special import tax (TCI)). 
53. Finally, Côte d'Ivoire imposes excise du ties and other taxes on certain imports. 
(c) Tariff preferences 
54. These apply solely within the context of intracommunity trade within WAEMU and 
ECOWAS. 
55. Under the terms of the community provisions, tr aditional local and craft products, originating 
in a country belonging to the union, are exempt from the duties and taxes laid down in the CET.  Approved industrial products are also exempt from CET duties and taxes. 
(d) Tariff regimes granted to priority enterprises 
56. To encourage private investment, Côte d'I voire adopted Law 95-620 of 3 August 1995 
establishing the Investment Code.  Under this law, the customs duty applied to imports of machinery 
and equipment and the first batch of  spare parts is 5 per cent;  the statistical fee, the PCS and the PCC 
can be recovered. 
(e) Minimum import prices 
57. Official price list values are specific values (based on number, weight, volume, etc.) 
determined by the Ministry responsible for the ec onomy and finance within the context of an ad hoc 
commission.  The official price list value can be deliberately lowered to reduce the cost price of 
imported goods on the domestic market .  Thus, it has an economic and social effect by enabling staple 
or mass consumption products to be made more accessible. 
58. The official price lists are specified in Decree No. 84-926 of 27 July 1984.  The official price 
list values for rough timber were amended by D ecrees No. 90-444 of 29 May 1990 and No. 94-377 
of 1 July 1994. 
(f) Rules of origin 
59. Since January 2003 Côte d'Ivoire has applied the WAEMU rules of origin, whose basic 
provisions are harmonized with those of ECOW AS.  Thus, imports from ECOWAS and WAEMU 
must be accompanied by a certificate of origin in order to benefit from the preferential tariff regime. 
(g) Customs valuation 
60. Côte d'Ivoire applies the GATT 1994 Custom s Valuation Agreement to all goods and 
merchandise imported into Côte d'Ivoire, with the exception of used vehicles whose customs values 
are determined on the basis of their guide list value. WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
Page 14 
  
  (h) Import prohibitions and qu antitative restrictions 
61. Two products are provisionally affected by  import prohibitions, namely, sugar (Decree 
No. 2008-164 of 5 May 2008) and baking flou r (Decree No. 2008-141 of 28 April 2008).  
The importation of these products has been provisionally suspended for two years. 
62. Quantitative import restrictions apply to the pr oducts listed in Annex B to Decree No. 93-313 
of 11 March 1993, as amended by Decree No. 97- 341 of 12 June 1997, which are subject to 
progressive annual liberalization so that the regime now applies only to printed cotton fabrics and petroleum products similar to those produced  by the Ivorian Refinery Company (SIR). 
63. To import any product subject to the regime of li mitation to an f.o.b. value of CFAF 25,000 or 
more it is necessary to complete the formality of obt aining an import licence issued by the directorate 
responsible for foreign trade. 
(i) State trading 
64. The stabilization and economic recovery pl an implemented by the Government is 
characterized, among other things, by the disengageme nt of the State through the privatization of 
certain activities, which has led to a marked decr ease in its participation in international trade. 
(j) Standards and other technical requirements 
65. The Ivorian Standardization Organization CODI NORM is an association whose objective is 
to develop internationally recognized standards in order to make Ivorian industry more competitive 
and guarantee the quality of products sold in Côte d'Ivoire. 
66. Ivorian standards apply to all local and impor ted goods and services marketed or consumed in 
Côte d'Ivoire.  The Ivorian standard is used as a benchmark for awarding government contracts. 
67. Since its creation, CODINORM has drafted 272 national standards in the sectors assigned 
priority, namely, agro-industry, building and civil engineering. 
68. Conformity with Ivorian standards is assessed  by approved companies, where imports are 
concerned, and by the Ministry of Commerce, with respect to all marketed products, whether 
manufactured locally or imported. 
69. Local manufacturers and importers  must provide evidence of the conformity of their products 
with mandatory standards in the form of test results , attestations or certificates of conformity issued 
by recognized bodies.  In Côte d'Ivoire, certificates or marks of conformity with standards are issued 
by CODINORM. 
70. Standards drawn up by a recognized foreign bo dy are generally accepted when there is no 
Ivorian standard or when they are consistent with  standards drawn up in Côte d'Ivoire.  Evidence of 
conformity provided by such bodies can be recognized, as there is a procedure for mutual recognition by national standardization bodies. 
(k) Sanitary and phytosanitary regulations 
71. Côte d'Ivoire applies sanitary and phyto sanitary control measures.  For example, a 
phytosanitary certificate issued by  the Ministry of Agriculture is required for imports of plant Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
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  products.  Similarly, a sanitary inspection is carri ed out by the Ministry of Animal and Fishery 
Resources on imports of meat, fish, dairy products a nd canned products. 
(l) Government procurement 
72. Where government procurement is concerne d, a new code, consistent with WAEMU 
directives, entered into force in 2009.  Invita tions to tender for government contracts are now 
published on the website and in the bulletin of th e Government Procurement Directorate (DMP).  
Framework agreements still in force for major works will be converted into c ontracts consistent with 
the government procurement code.  A Nati onal Government Procurement Regulatory 
Authority (ANRMP) has been set up. 
(m) Anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures 
73. Côte d'Ivoire applies the WAEMU community  legislation on anti-dumping and countervailing 
duties. 
(n) Measures applied in exporting countries 
74. The Ivorian Government has not been informed of the application, by other countries, of 
measures regulating exports d estined for Côte d'Ivoire. 
(o) Local content requirements 
75. There are no local content requirements in Côte d'Ivoire. 
(ii) Trade measures directly affecting exports 
(a) Regulatory framework 
76. In accordance with Côte d'Ivoire's liberal ec onomic option, all goods and merchandise, with 
the exception of those mentioned in Annexes E and F to Decree No. 93-313 of 11 March 1993, can be 
freely exported. 
(b) Export taxes, charges and levies 
77. The State of Côte d'Ivoire retains residual power s to set the rates of certain taxes such as the 
Single Export Duty (DUS).  These national powers are exercised by the National Assembly, by 
passing laws (finance act), or by the President of the Republic, by issuing ordinances. 
78. The products subject to DUS are:  raw cocoa, co coa paste, cocoa butter,  chocolate in slabs, 
bars or sticks, coffee, rough timber, semi-worke d timber, sawn wood (undried), sawn wood (dried), 
cashew nuts, and cola. 
(c) Export prohibitions 
79. Exports are free, except for certain products subject to the prior authorization regime or the 
prohibition regime.  Prohibition is aimed at protecting the fauna and flora.  It also concerns ivory and 
certain wood species, as indicated in Annex F to Decree No. 93-313 of 11 March 1993. WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
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  80. There are export bans on logs of the following species:  Aboudikrou, Mahogany, Avodiré, 
Bossé, Sipo, Dibétou, Iroko, Ma koré and Tiama and on Kondrotti. 
(d) Quotas and other export reduction measures 
81. Côte d'Ivoire does not have any quota or export-reduction measures. 
(e) State trading 
82. Following the implementation of the structural adjustment programmes, the State has 
withdrawn from all commercial export activities. 
83. However, it should be noted that the State holds shares in companies involved in the export of 
services, in particular, in the rail and air transport, telecommunications, petroleum and electricity 
sectors. 
(f) Export cartels 
84. There are two export cartels in the fruit sector:  the Central Organization of Banana and 
Pineapple Producers-Exporters (OCAB) and the Orga nization of Banana and Pineapple Exporters of 
Côte d'Ivoire (OBAM-CI), which coordinate th e distribution of bananas and pineapples to the 
European Union. 
(g) Export subsidies 
85. Since the abolition of the export premium, Côte  d'Ivoire has not granted any more export 
subsidies. 
(h) Tariff and tax concessions 
86. The temporary admission procedure provides for re lief for imports of raw materials used in 
manufacturing products that are subsequently exported.  Relief is granted for a maximum 
of 12 months (under ordinary law).  The amount of  security required is 50 per cent of the duties 
suspended. 
(i) Export promotion and policy on the promotion of traceability 
87. The Export Promotion Association of Cote d'I voire (APEX-CI) is responsible for fostering 
the sustained growth of Ivorian exports (re duction of the dependence on traditional products, 
increased proportion of high-value-added exports, geogr aphical diversification of exports, creation of 
an export culture).  Since 2010, it has extended its scope by acting as an agency for the promotion and 
development of the private sector with particular stress on SMEs. 
88. Various technical ministries and private bodies participate in the implementation of export 
promotion policy.  These include, in particular, the Directorate for Trade Expansion and 
Competitiveness (DECC) and the Trade Events Se rvice of the Ministry of Commerce and the 
Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Côte d'Ivoire (CCI-CI).  It is planned to build an exhibition 
centre in Abidjan to activate export promotion. Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
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  89. However, the efforts to promote exports are cu rrently being held back, among other things, by 
the absence of such a national exhibition centre a nd the lack of private financial institutions 
specialized in support for export operations, su ch as an export-credit insurance company. 
(iii) Measures affecting production, investment and trade 
90. The main mission of the Centre for the Promoti on of Investment in Côte d'Ivoire (CEPICI), 
created by Decree No. 93-774 of 29 September 1993 and officially set up on 8 March 1995, is to 
facilitate, on the one hand, the administrative pro cedures relating to the establishment and life of 
businesses and, on the other, the completion of the formalities involved in the granting of investment-related advantages, especially those offe red under the new Investment Code.  A new draft 
code is in preparation. 
91. Under the Investment Code (1995) busin esses can benefit from important tax and tariff 
concessions.  It is a clear indication of the inte ntion of the State to encourage all investment, 
regardless of the amount. 
92. This Code makes no distinction with respect  to the origin of the investment goods.  
All investment goods, whether locally produced or imported, are eligible, on the same conditions and 
with the same effects, for the following concessions for which the Code provides: 
- Exemption from import duties (fiscal and customs) on the plant necessary to 
implement the investment; 
 
- exemption from VAT for expenditure on plant and equipment, goods vehicles and 
spare parts for an investment sum at least  equal to the lower threshold, with the 
exception of building materials, movable property and motor cars; 
 
- exemption from profits tax;  and 
 
- exemption from occupational tax and licence tax;  and in the case of investments at 
least equal to the upper threshold, exem ption from the developed property tax. 
 93. A business wishing to benefit from the advantages of the approval regime must, inter alia , 
satisfy the following requirements: 
- Employ Ivorian managers, supervisors and other workers and provide for their 
training, in accordance with the regulations in force and, in particular, with the 
operation of the vocational training development fund; 
 
- comply with the national or internationa l quality standards applicable to the goods 
and services that form the subject of its activity; 
 
- prevent any deterioration in the ecological conditions, in particular the 
 environment;  and 
 
- observe the regulations on the filing of  agreements and contracts concerning 
industrial property or technology acquisition rights. 
 WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
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  94. The approval regime is applicable to all econo mic activities, with the exception of building 
and public works and financial services. 
95. Investment not eligible for the approval or d eclaration regime is subject to the relevant 
ordinary law and, in particular, to the provisions  of the General Tax Code and the Customs Code. 
96. As for investment in financial services, it is  subject to the provisions of Law No. 90-589 
of 25 July 1990 on banking regulation in Cô te d'Ivoire and its implementing decrees. 
97. Under the terms of the regulations in force, engagement in financial or banking activities is 
subject to the granting of approval, by order of the Minister responsible for the economy and finance 
and with the prior consent of the Banking Commission of the West African Monetary Union 
(articles 7 to 9 of Law No. 90-589 of 25 July 1990). 
98. Similarly, financial establishments are classified in the various categories by decree, on the 
basis of their activities.  They cannot engage in activities belonging to another category without prior 
authorization granted under the a pproval procedure (Article 10). 
99. Finally, under article 25 of the above-mentione d law, certain transactions require the prior 
authorization of the Ministry of the Economy and Finance.  In particular: 
- Transfers by a bank or financial establishment of more than 20 per cent of the assets 
corresponding to its operations in Côte d'Ivoire;  and 
 
- acquisitions or transfers of holdings which would have the effect of taking the holding 
of one and the same person beyond a blocking minority or majority of the voting 
rights or of reducing that holding below these thresholds. 
 (a) Regulation of prices and marketing 
100. Since Law No. 91-999 of 27 December 1991 on comp etition, the prices of goods and services 
traded in Côte d'Ivoire have been freely determined  by the play of competition.  However, the prices 
of essential or mass consumption goods and ser vices may be regulated, provided the National 
Competition Commission has previously been cons ulted.  Thus, only four  groups of goods and 
services, regarded as essential, are regulated: 
- Water and electricity; 
- gas; - pharmaceutical products;  and 
- locally published schoolbooks. 
 101. This law created a national competition commissi on responsible for advising on all matters 
relating to competition, whether referred to it by the G overnment or taken up ex officio.  It must be 
consulted by the Government on any draft legislativ e or regulatory text instituting measures liable to 
restrict competition. 
102. The entry into force of WAEM U community law deprived member States of their powers to 
regulate agreements in restraint of trade, abuses of  dominant position and State aid.  They have been 
left competent only for the following individual restrictive practices: Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
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  - Selling at a loss; 
- imposition of minimum prices; - sales with bonuses (bundling); - refusal to sell; 
- tied sales; 
- snowball selling; - discriminatory practices;  and - unfair competition. 
 
(b) Protection of intellectual property rights 
103. Côte d'Ivoire is a member of the African  Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI) and 
applies the provisions of the Bangui Agre ement concerning intellectual property. 
104. At institutional level, the Ivorian Intellectual Property Office (OIPI), created in 2005, acts as 
the National Liaison Structure (NLS) for liaising w ith the OAPI.  This office is responsible for 
administering the industrial property system in Côte d'Ivoire. 
105. The Ivorian Copyright Bureau (BURIDA) has the task of managing copyright and related 
rights in Côte d'Ivoire. 
(c) Free-zone regime 
106. Located some 40 kilometres from Abidjan on a 500 hectare site, the Grand-Bassam Free Zone 
for Information and Communication Technologi es and Biotechnology offers an exceptional 
opportunity for investment in real estate, industry, research, services and capacity building.  
This specialized economic zone is designed to creat e jobs, promote exports, attract direct investment, 
encourage technology transfer, promote the creatio n of efficient Ivorian SMEs, stimulate applied 
research and incentivize researchers. 
V. SECTORAL POLICIES 
(1) A
GRICULTURE  
107. Ivorian agriculture is dense and diversified.  It is full of opportunities for investment.  
Agriculture continues to form the basis of the na tional economy.  In fact, it contributes 22 per cent of 
GDP formation and is the source of income for two thirds of households.  It provides about 75 per 
cent of non-petroleum export earnings. 
108. In 1993, the State introduced important agricultural reforms through the Agricultural 
Development Master Plan 1992-2015.  Following these reforms, the State withdrew from production 
by privatizing most of the State-owned companies. 
109. The aim of the new reforms is to continue  guaranteeing food security, reinvigorate the 
agricultural subsectors, create permanent jobs and improve ru ral living conditions. 
(i) Coffee and cocoa 
110. Côte d'Ivoire's main objective where these two pr oducts are concerned is to triple the volume 
of coffee processing from 15,000 to 45,000 tonnes a nd raise the level of cocoa processing to 50 per 
cent of production, while doubling chocolate production. WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
Page 20 
  
  111. Côte d'Ivoire is the world's leading coco a producer, with 1,300,657 tonnes of cocoa from 
one million hectares of plantations, and its si xth-ranking coffee producer, with 150,000 tonnes in 
2009. 
(ii) Cashew nuts 
112. Cashew nuts, the development of which has fl ourished during the last twenty years, have 
become the savannah zone's main cash crop, far ahead of cotton.  They are grown by 
around 250,000 planters to meet the needs of 1.5 million people.  These producers are mostly small 
farmers owning only two or three hectares. 
113. Raw nut production for export rose from 75,000 tonnes in 1999 to over 350,000 tonnes 
in 2010.  Côte d'Ivoire has become the leading African producer and ranks second in the world after 
India.  Côte d'Ivoire is the world's largest exporter of raw nuts. 
114. Efforts have been made at national level to in crease the amount of local processing.  In 2012, 
these bore fruit with the opening of a processing unit by the OLAM group, at Bouaké in the middle of the country. 
(iii) Oilseed 
115. Côte d'Ivoire is the largest palm oil exporte r in Africa, producing 400,000 tonnes in 2010.  
About 74 per cent of the area occupied by oil palm  groves belongs to 35,0 00 independent planters, 
around half of whom work plantations of less th an ten hectares.  Village plantations account 
for 55 per cent of production, the average yields being much lower than those of the industrial 
complexes. 
116. This branch of agriculture is  backed by a relatively dynamic processing sector composed of 
large industrial initial processing and edible oil ma nufacturing units, supplemented by mini-refineries 
with a capacity of from 3 to 6 tonnes/hour insta lled in the peripheral village production areas. 
(iv) Cotton and textiles 
117. The cotton subsector grew steadily from the 1960s onwards thanks to State support.  Cotton 
production reached 400,000 tonnes during the 1999/ 2000 season.  However, from 2003/2004 onwards 
the situation deteriorated considerably, desp ite a rebound in 2004/2005, and in 2009-2010 production 
was down to 185,000 tonnes. 
118. The challenge in the medium term, is to su cceed in processing at least 40 per cent of cotton 
fibre production locally, as compared with 20 per cent currently, by creating at least 15,000 tonnes 
per year of new weaving capacity. 
(v) Rubber 
119. Côte d'Ivoire is Africa's top rubber producer. 
120. The rubber plantations, which cover more than 129,000 ha, are divided up between industrial 
plantations (38 per cent), village plantations (60 per cent) and research plantations (2 per cent).  
The rubber is processed by agro-industrial companies and two independent manufacturers. Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
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  121. Export volume grew by 7 per cent a year between 1995 and 2010, r eaching 215,000 tonnes.  
As for export value, it grew much more rapidly during the last five years, at the rate of 30 per cent a year, due to the increase in world prices.  The target  for world market share is 4 or 5 per cent (1 per 
cent currently), i.e. an annual pr oduction of 300,000 tonnes of rubber (275,000 ha).  This subsector 
has strong potential for development and hevea also provides good-quality timber. 
122. Investment opportunities also exist in the development of second-stage processing for the 
promotion of articles in natural rubber. 
(vi) Pineapples and bananas 
123. Exports of pineapples by small producers have  collapsed, falling from 150,000 tonnes in 1999 
to 10,000 tonnes in 2009.  This decline is linked w ith the slowness of the producers to adopt the new 
variety MD2.  The introduction of stricter pr oduction standards and traceability requirements on 
European markets constitutes a major challenge for the small growers. 
124. Overall, the subsector is facing several problems, in particular:  (i) pressure on prices linked 
with competition;  (ii) the introduction of stri cter production standards and traceability requirements 
on European markets;  (iii) the considerable increase  in freight charges since the turn of the century 
due, among other things, to the decrease in export volumes;  (iv) disruptions in the financing system;  
(v) the difficulties of producers in obtaining acces s to financing for the purpose of converting 
plantations to the MD2 variety, apart from t hose belonging to international companies. 
125. These problems are shared by the banana s ubsector, which faces fierce competition on the 
European market following the bana nas agreement of December 2009. 
(vii) Kola and karité 
126. The kola nut is a speciality of Côte d'Ivoire, the world's largest producer.  Local consumption 
exceeds exports, which amount to 14,616 tonnes,  giving a total producti on of 65,216 tonnes.  
Most karité production is consumed locally, in th e form of an edible oil or cosmetic products. 
(viii) Wood 
127. Most enterprises are currently engaged in first stage processing.  The challenge is to direct 
private investment into unit restructuring and modern ization with a view to contributing to the further 
development of second- and third-stage processing in order to make better use of the by-products of 
forestry, in particular through the production of charcoal. 
128. Côte d'Ivoire is engaged in  implementing the EU's FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement, 
Governance and Trade) Action Plan intended to im prove governance, enforcement of the regulations 
and trade in forest products. 
(2) L
IVESTOCK RAISING AND FISHING  
(i) Livestock raising 
129. Livestock raising is practised throughout th e national territory, with ruminants heavily 
predominating in the North and Centre, and short-cy cle livestock in the South.  The livestock sector is 
mainly composed of four subsectors, each comb ining widespread traditional livestock raising with 
modern units which, though less numerous, are orga nized with a high level of private investment.  WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
Page 22 
  
  These subsectors are:  (i) ruminants, consisting of bo vine animals and small ruminants;  (ii) poultry;  
(iii) pigs;  and (iv) no n-conventional livestock breeding.  Dome stic production covers  only 54 per cent 
of meat consumption, totalling 110,000 tonnes/year , and barely 10 per cent of milk consumption, 
totalling 225,000 tonnes/year.  These coverages indi cate the size of the potential market for the 
products in question. 
(ii) Fishing 
130. Fishing occupies an important place in the national economy.  It provides 70,000 direct jobs 
and supports more than 400,000 people.  Fish re mains the Ivorian consumer's main source of 
animal protein, accounting for nearly 50 per cent of animal protein consumption.  Domestic 
production covers only 31 per cent of domestic co nsumption, which is estimated at 200,000 to 
250,000 tonnes a year. 
131. The chief product of industrial sea fishing is still sardines (81 per cent).  The tuna canning 
industry appears to be regaining its past levels of performance, while the fish import-distribution 
branch is maintaining its perform ance despite an adverse economic e nvironment.  Côte d'Ivoire is 
Africa's leading exporter of canned tuna (50,000 tonnes) and the world's second largest exporter. 
(3) PACKAGING  
132. Côte d'Ivoire has some notable, in both quantit y and quality, resources of basic raw materials 
and inputs, namely, deposits of glass sand (878,0 00 tonnes), iron (1,700,000 tonnes) and bauxite, 
sufficient to bestow additional advantag es on the domestic packaging industry. 
133. It imports more than CFAF 100 billion worth of  packaging a year to meet the needs of 
the subsector. 
(4) MINING , PETROLEUM AND ENERGY  
134. Côte d'Ivoire has substantial deep-water o ffshore petroleum deposits.  Ivorian petroleum 
production is currently 50,000 barre ls a day with a potential estimated at more than 19,400 million 
barrels.  Numerous blocks are waiting to be explored. 
135. Electricity is generated by six hydroelectric da ms (Ayamé 1, Ayamé 2, Kossou, Taabo, Buyo 
and Fayé), three thermal power stations (Vridi  1, CIPREL and AZITO) and one leased standby 
thermal plant (AGGREKO). 
136. In 2010, generating capacity was based on a total installed power of 1,390 MW, including 
604 MW for the hydroelectric stations and 786 MW for the thermal plants.  Total electricity 
generation was 5,883 GWh, including 1,618 GWh of  hydroelectric origin (27.5 per cent) 
and 4,265 GWh of thermal origin (72.5 per cent). 
137. Côte d'Ivoire also exports electricity to the c ountries of the subregion, in particular, Benin, 
Burkina Faso, Ghana, Mali and Togo. 
138. The investment project portfolio includes rural electrification;  the construction of a seventh 
hydroelectric dam at Soubré;  the creation of 1,5 00 solar-energy conviviality centres in rural areas;  
the establishment of forestry zones around the coun try's large cities for the rational production of 
charcoal (Wood-Energy Project);  and the genera tion of electricity from waste and residues (Biomass 
Energy Programme). Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
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  139. The authorities apply a mechanism for automatica lly setting the prices of petroleum products.  
The aim is to reduce public subsidies and improve the overall allocation of resources. 
140. The mining sector has reserves estimate d at more than 3,000 million tonnes of 
iron, 390 million tonnes of nickel, 1,200 million t onnes of bauxite, 7 million tonnes of manganese 
and 100 thousand carats of diamonds.  To these as sets should be added a vast palaeoproterozoic 
domain (Birimian), consisti ng of more than 100,000 km2 of volcanic-plutonic and sedimentary 
trenches (the largest area in West Africa), with a considerable gold mineralization potential, together 
with the recently opened mines at Mount Yaouré (A ngovia), Bonikro and Tongon.  The availability of 
a skilled labour force is another advantage enjoyed by this sector. 
(5) TELECOMMUNICATIONS AND ICT 
141. In the mid-1990s, Côte d'Ivoire decided to liberalize the telecommunications sector.  Thus, 
the sector was opened up to competition by enacting laws and regulations est ablishing its legal and 
institutional framework, which is still in force today. 
142. More than a decade later, the telecommunications  sector remains one of the most dynamic in 
the Ivorian economy with: 
- Two operators holding concessions for fixe d telephony (Côte d' Ivoire Telecom and 
Arobase Telecom), with over 300,000 lines in service; 
 
- seven authorizations granted in the mob ile telephony sector, with five operators 
currently active, representing more than 15.5 million SIM cards now held;  and 
 
- fifteen operators authorized to provide internet services, with more than 2 million 
users. 
 143. The cumulative turnover in this sector over th e last 15 years is close to CFAF 8,000 billion. 
144. The legal system governing the tariffs for telecommunications services is the free pricing 
regime.  However, for concession-holders fre e pricing may be subject, depending on the 
circumstances, to price control by the regulatory authority. 
145. The outlook for the ICT sector in Côte d'Ivoire  has become even more promising following 
the recent authorization of 3G technology on the domestic market. 
(6) T
OURISM AND HANDICRAFTS  
146. Where tourism and culture are concerned, Côte d'I voire has a rich and varied potential.  There 
are opportunities for investing in new and existing in frastructure, as well as in tourism products and 
different types of tourism (religious, spa, cultural, sports, etc.). 
147. In Côte d'Ivoire, there are more than 600 culture-related jobs in the private sector.  
The country's cultural assets, consisting mainly of archaeological sites, historical monuments, popular 
traditions, and a range of cultural expressions and la ndscapes, attract tourists and artists from all over 
the world and particularly from Sub-Saharan Africa. 
148. The handicraft sector has enormous potential in terms of job creation and the development of 
local products as sources of income.  In fact, this sector covers a vast range of activities with more WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
Page 24 
  
  than 244 trades and has a considerable capacity for labour market entry.  In addition, it offers 
opportunities for vocational training and self-employment.   It provides work for about a quarter of the 
active population and accounts for 14 per cent of GDP. 
149. The State intends to promote the developm ent and upgrading of tourism in Ivorian 
communities and establish a Higher Institute for T ourism and the Hotel Trade at Yamoussoukro to 
help expand the tourism potential of the regions a nd train managers and senior executives in tourism 
and the hotel trade. 
(7) TRANSPORT  
150. The transport sector comprises four subsectors,  namely, road transport, rail transport, 
maritime and river-lagoon transport, and air transpor t.  These various subsectors have major potential 
for investment and economic and social development. 
151. Access to the air transport market is gove rned by the Yamoussoukro Decision and the 
community provisions.  Abidjan International Ai rport is a subregional hub from which several 
international and intra-community companies operate. 
152. The Ivorian maritime sector was extensively liberalized at the beginning of the 1990s.  
More than 90 per cent of Côte d'I voire's goods traffic is carried by sea.  The port of Abidjan and that 
of San Pedro are equipped with efficient modern  infrastructure, making them two of the most 
important ports on the West African coast.  San Pedro, the main port for cocoa exports, is destined for 
further expansion in connection with the developmen t of mining projects in the west of the country. 
153. Rail transport is provided by the company SI TARAIL under a service concession.  However, 
the State still owns the track.  There are project s to modernize the existing line, to extend it to 
Niamey in Niger and to build new inland lines in the west in anticipation of the expansion of 
mining operations. 
154. Land transport has developed tha nks to a relatively dense road network (6,500 km of paved 
roads).  It covers both goods and passenger tra ffic and includes urban, inter-city and regional 
transport.  A vast project is under way to rene w the national vehicle fleet, for which additional 
financing is awaited. 
155. The supply of urban transport in Abidjan will be  further modernized a nd expanded thanks to 
the construction of three new lagoon stations (Mo ssikro, Niangon lokoua and Koumassi Nord Est), 
the purchase of buses and boat buses, and the operation of an urban train line. 
(8) FINANCIAL SERVICES (BANKING , INSURANCE AND OTHER FINANCIAL SERVICES ) 
156. Within WAEMU, Côte d'Ivoire's financial sect or seems relatively dynamic and diversified, 
having four main components, namely: 
- The banking system; 
 
- the insurance and social welfare sector; 
 
- the financial market;  and 
 Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
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  - the Decentralized Financing Systems (SFD ) comprising, in particular, the mutual 
savings and loan institutions. 
 157. The authorities have taken steps to transpose the WAMU institutional reforms into national 
law;  moreover, they have supported the activ ities of the banking commission and adopted the 
legislation on combating th e financing of terrorism. 
158. In the years to come, the development of the fi nancial sector will constitute one of the main 
aims of economic policy, within a context of intensified promotion of private investment. 
159. Thus, in future years the objective will be a dual one, namely: 
- At subregional level, to continue the pro cess of turning Abidjan into a true financial 
hub;  and 
 
- and at internal level, to strengthen the fi nancial fabric and thus  substantially increase 
the domestic savings rate. 
 (9) I
NDUSTRY  
160. Industry constitutes the bulk of the formal pr ivate sector with 24 branches in 2008.  The 
agri-food and chemical industries are particularly not eworthy with 33 per cent and 28.5 per cent of the 
national industrial fabric, respectively.  In 2007 , Côte d'Ivoire had a total of 2,402 industrial 
enterprises with more than ten employees, of which 1,296 were in the agri-food branch and fishing.  
Altogether, SMEs made up 98 per cent of the ente rprises counted and contributed 18 per cent of GDP 
formation and 20 per cent of modern employment.  A system of dynamic micro-enterprises, 55.6 per 
cent tertiary, has also developed in recent years. 
161. Industrial expansion will be supported by th e establishment of the Yamoussoukro Technopôle 
with a view to creating an enterprise developmen t and consolidation centre designed to provide the 
industrial sector with the tools it needs to  face the challenges of globalization. 
(10) PHARMACEUTICAL AND PARA -PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCT SECTOR  
162. About 10 per cent of the global supply of medi caments is produced locally.  The production 
and distribution of herbal medicines is authori zed.  The State's objective is to produce generic 
medicaments more cheaply for the local market and the subregion. 
163. Industrial pharmaceutical products are distribut ed through a very structured network of 
private and public distributors.  In 2009, the tu rnover of the Ivorian pharmaceutical market was 
CFAF 88.6 billion for the private sector (wholesale distributors and pharmaceutical laboratories) and CFAF 11.8 billion for the public sector (Public Health Pharmacy). 
164. The Public Health Pharmacy is the only organi zation authorized to supply the national public 
health establishments. 
165. For more than three years Côte d'Ivoire has been the leading pharmaceutical market in the 
French-speaking West Africa (AOF) area.  The pr ivate pharmaceutical market is expected to 
stay healthy. WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
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  (11) FERTILIZER TRADE  
166. With a total of 208,792 tonnes of fertilizer, worth CFAF 42.9 billion, imported in 2010, 
Côte d'Ivoire is WAEMU's largest fertilizer market. 
(12) HOUSING  
167. The living environment is characterized by rapid urbanization.  In fact, the urbanization rate, 
which was 15 per cent in 1960, reached 50 per cent in  2010.  Abidjan, the commercial capital, has the 
country's highest density.  This fast-moving urba nization is mainly due to rural exodus and 
immigration from neighbouring countries.  Annual hous ing needs are estimated at 25,000-30,000 in 
Abidjan and as many again in the cities of the inte rior.  To fill the gap the State has launched a 
programme to build 20,000 housing units a year  on the basis of a public-private partnership. 
VI. NEED FOR ASSISTANCE AND AID FOR TRADE 
(1) TRADE -RELATED TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE BALANCE SHEET  
168. Côte d'Ivoire, like other developing countries, h as benefited from the JITAP.  In view of their 
beneficial effects in terms of human and institu tional capacity building, it would seem advisable to 
renew such programmes for LDCs and low-income developing countries. 
169. The WTO Secretariat has also played an importa nt part in technical assistance and capacity 
building activities in Côte d'Ivoire, among other things  by arranging for Ivorian officials to participate 
in training courses and workshops and by organizing national training in Abidjan. 
170. In parallel with the support from the WTO, Côte  d'Ivoire has also benefited from capacity 
building programmes implemented by other multila teral and regional organizations such as the 
African Development Bank (AfDB), the Islamic Development Bank (IDB), the West African 
Economic and Monetary Union (WAEMU), UNCTAD, the ICC, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Internationa l Organisation of La Francophonie (IOF), the 
United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA ), etc.  These activities have generally taken 
the form of trade policy courses, based ma inly on the Doha Development Programme. 
(2) T
ECHNICAL ASSISTANCE  
171. Côte d'Ivoire is busy finalizing its Nati onal Development Programme (PND) 2012-2015, 
which between now and the end of 2012 should form the subject of a round table of the Technical and 
Financial Partners. 
172. Specifically, an intensified effort will have to  be made to support the agricultural and rural 
community through the implementation of targeted programmes.  This will mean:  (i) strengthening 
the governance of the sector comprising agriculture a nd animal and fishery resources;  (ii) building 
the capacity of those with a stake in the developmen t of agriculture and animal and fishery resources;  
(iii) developing the agricultural subsectors;  (i v) improving the productivity and competitiveness of 
crop and livestock farming;  (v) improving the manage ment of fishery resources;  and (vi) improving 
the nutritional status of the people and food safety. 
173. With regard to the chapters of this plan that  concern trade and related sectors, the request for 
technical and financial assistance will serve to: Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
 Page 27 
 
 
  - Improve the diversification of domestic production and its competitiveness on the 
national and international markets; 
 
- ensure the better integration of trade in to the national development strategy in 
accordance with the Doha Round programme; 
- facilitate the implementation of the future Agreement on Trade Facilitation; 
 
- improve the levels of notifica tion of the WTO by Côte d'Ivoire; 
 
- speed up the transposition of multilateral a nd community disciplines into the national 
legislation and their incorporation into national policies, measures and practices; 
 
- continue human capacity building within  the context of the regular training 
programmes of the international organiza tions, while opening up the possibility of 
more precise "à la carte" training, initiated by the national authorities and focused on 
questions of interest to them; 
 
- learn more about the international environment for trade in services and related 
opportunities;  and 
 
- set up a functioning permanent institutiona l framework for evaluating national trade 
policy. 
 
VII. CONCLUSION 
174. The economic choices made by Côte d'Ivoire following independence enabled it to turn its 
economy into one of the most structured and dive rsified in Sub-Saharan Africa.  The agricultural 
sector and the agri-food industry long formed the basi s of its vitality before being supplemented, as 
they are today, by petroleum production and the service sectors, notably telecommunications. 
175. Côte d'Ivoire's trade policy is built, at nati onal level, on a series of measures underpinned by 
its international rights and oblig ations as laid down in the WTO Agreements and community 
regulations, as well as by its own objectives for de velopment and harmonious social and labour 
relations. 
176. It must be acknowledged that the decade of crisis has had a negative impact on Ivorian 
competitiveness, particularly on the supply side, but fo rtunately, the country has been able to maintain 
the resilience of its economy. 
177. Thus, buttressed by its regained stability, under the leadership of the President of the Republic 
H.E. Mr Alassane OUATTARA, Côte d'Ivoire has undert aken a vast programme of reform in the key 
sectors of the economy and is drawing up a Natio nal Development Plan (PND) whose combined 
effects should propel it into the ranks of the emerging countries by 2020. 
 Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
 Page 29 
 
 
  REPORT BY GUINEA-BISSAU 
 
 1. According to the latest census, conducted in 2010, Guinea-Bissau has a population of 
approximately 1.5 million, of which 70 per cent live in rural areas.  This underscores the importance 
of the primary sector as the leading source of employ ment.  Over the past seven to eight years, the 
country's GDP structure has remained unchanged.  The economy continues to be dominated by 
agriculture and services.  The informal sector plays a considerable role, while the industrial sector is 
embryonic, as are reconstruction activities. 
2. Guinea-Bissau is potentially rich in fisheri es products, but it has been unable to take 
advantage of the multiplier effects that this se ctor could generate fo r the domestic economy.  
According to the information available, the count ry has significant mineral deposits, although they 
remain unexplored.  There are also promising oppor tunities in the areas of transport, tourism and 
diversification of agricultural activities. 
3. Economic structures have been undermined by  chronic socio-political instability since 
the 1998 war, leaving the economy extremely vulnerable to external shocks. 
4. Guinea-Bissau's economy depends on a single cr op, cashew nuts, cultivated using traditional 
methods and exported unprocessed to  India, without added value. 
5. Guinea-Bissau also depends on imports for its  electric power supply, its food, and its 
transport services.  Practically all of its manuf actured goods and the hydrocarbons it consumes 
are imported. 
6. In order to promote economic growth, genera te employment, reduce poverty and foster the 
country's socio-economic devel opment, it is important to: 
- Improve the business environment; 
 
- support institutional capacity building and development (in both the public and 
private sectors); 
 
- improve what the financial sector has to offer in support of the activities of national 
economic operators; 
 
- promote diversification of the economy and of exports; 
 
- support local processing of agricultural products, focussing on cashew nuts, as this 
could provide considerable employment opportunities to young people and women in 
rural areas;  the resulting value added coul d help to maximize the commercial value 
of the products exported; 
 
- support the development of production infr astructure, including power supply, and 
take advantage of national skills in this area; 
 
- mainstream international trade in  the national development strategy. 
 Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
 Page 31 
 
 
  REPORT BY TOGO 
 
 
I. OVERVIEW 
1. Togo is in West Africa.  It has the shape of a more or less rectangular corridor varying 
between 50 and 150 km in width and located betw een the Republic of Benin to the east and the 
Republic of Ghana to the west.  The country extends lengthwise some 600 km between the Atlantic Ocean to the south and Burkina Faso to  the north.  It has a surface area of 56,600 km
2. 
2. Togo became independent on 27 April 1960 under the official name of the 
Togolese Republic.  Since 1992, Togo's political system  has been governed by the Constitution of the 
Fourth Republic.  Based on democratic values, it is a semi-presidential, multiparty regime. 
3. The country has five regions that are subdivided into prefectures.  The last administrative 
reform, which took place in 2009, divided the country up into 35 prefectures and one sub-prefecture.  
According to the latest general census, the popul ation of Togo was 6.2 million in 2011 with an 
average density of 111 inhabitants per km2.  Togo's population is comprised of some 40 ethnic groups 
and is unevenly distributed over the five regions. 
4. Togo is a member of several international, regional and subregional organizations including 
the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), the World Trade Organization (WTO), the Treaty 
on the Harmonization of Business Law in Afri ca (OHADA), the African Intellectual Property 
Organization (OAPI), the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the 
West African Economic and Monetary Union (WAE MU), the Council of the Entente, the Benin 
Electricity Community (CEB), the African Peer  Review Mechanism (APRM), the Co-Prosperity 
Alliance Zone (COPAZ), and the Interna tional Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA). 
5. In an effort to bring about socio-political a ppeasement and to reinfo rce democracy, a certain 
number of measures were taken.  These include:  the Global Political Agreement (GTA) of 2006, the 
restructuring of the Constitutional Court, the creation of the High Authority for Media and 
Communications (HAAC) and the National Huma n Rights Commission (CNDH), liberation of the 
press, increased security for citizens in their daily lives, a series of negotiations on the revision of the 
Electoral Code and the proper organization of legi slative and presidential elections, the establishment 
of the Permanent Framework for Dialogue and Ne gotiations (CPDC) in 2008, and the creation, 
in 2009, of the Togolese Truth, Justice and Re conciliation Commission (CVJR), which issued its 
report on 3 April 2012. 
II. MACROECONOMIC ENVIRONMENT 
6. Since the second Trade Policy Review in 2006,  Togo has pursued its efforts to restore 
economic viability through structural reforms which paved the way for a return to growth.  A number 
of factors influenced this process, including a c limate marked by irregular rainfall which affects 
agricultural output, and an international environm ent whose parameters are hard to control - for 
example, the surge in the price of petroleum products, the internationa l financial crisis, the 
deteriorating terms of trade, and regional political instability. WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
Page 32 
  
  (1) MACROECONOMIC POLICY  
(i) Economic situation 
7. In the last five years (2007-2011), the Togolese economy achieved a positive annual average 
growth rate of 3.34 per cent.  This average is the result of a fluctuating growth pattern in which the 
rate reached 4.8 per cent in 2011.  With an averag e population growth of 2.84 per year, there was an 
increase in per capita GDP from CFAF 207,509 in 2005 to CFAF 287,837 in  2011.  Meanwhile, 
inflation grew from 1.1 per cent in 2007 to 3.6 per cent in 2011, with a peak at 8.7 per cent in 2008. 
8. The Togolese economy remains dependent on the primary sector, which accounts for some 
40 per cent of GDP.  It continues to drive growth, e xpanding at an average of 5 per cent in the last 
five years.  It is also the larg est provider of jobs, employing 70 to 80 per cent of the work-force.  Food 
crops (maize, cassava, yam, sorghum, pearl millet, rice, beans, groundnut, etc.) and export crops (cotton, coffee, cocoa, etc.) make up more th an 30 per cent of GDP, and growth has fluctuated 
between 0.4 per cent and 8.1 per cent over the past three years as climatic conditions have varied.  
There is not much in the way of livestock farming in Togo, and the focus is on controlling animal 
diseases.  Fisheries and forestry make up 3.4 per cent of GDP, and continuing efforts are being made 
to increase that share. 
9. The secondary sector accounts for some 20 per cent of GDP and grew at an average of 3.4 per 
cent per annum between 2007 and 2011.  It compris es mining and quarrying (3.1 per cent of GDP), 
manufacturing (8.2 per cent of GDP), electric pow er, gas and water (2.86 per cent of GDP) and 
construction and public works (3.12 per cent of GDP ).  Overall, the tertiary sector accounts for 
26.7 per cent of GDP.  Its major component is trade, which makes up 11.6 per cent of GDP.  
This sector has grown by an average of 3.1 per cent over the past five years. 
10. As to public finances, budget receipts account ed for 17 per cent of GDP in 2011, while 
government spending has risen by 26.9 per cent owing to a 17.7 per cent increase in current 
expenditure and a 9.2 per cent increase in capital expe nditure.  The upshot has been a deterioration in 
the budget balance to -1.3 per cent of GDP in 2011 from 0.6 per cent in 2010. 
11. The stock of the public debt amounted to CF AF 728.11 billion at the end of September 2011, 
representing a debt ratio of approximately 43.8 per cent of GDP.  The outstanding external debt stands 
at CFAF 211.53 billion as compared to CFAF 504.7 billion at 31 December 2010.  The HIPC initiative up to the completion point enab led Togo to obtain a provisional cancellation of 
CFAF 654.2 billion of its debt - CFAF 308.4 billion with the Paris Club creditors and 
CFAF 345.2 billion with the multilateral creditors. 
12. On the foreign trade front, exports of phosphates contracted by 35 per cent in 2011, while 
those of cotton increased by 67.74 per cent.  In para llel, and mainly as a result of the rising oil bill, 
imports increased by 15.4 per cent between 2007 and 2011 .  These trends have led to a deterioration 
of the current account deficit, despite the growth of clinker exports. 
(ii) Economic outlook 
13. In June 2009, the Togolese Government adopted  the complete Poverty Reduction Strategy 
Paper (PRSP-C) to serve as a basis for preparing sectoral development plans and public investment 
programmes for the period 2009-20 11.  In December 2010, Togo r eached the completion point under 
the HIPC initiative, leading to a reduction in its foreign debt stock.  The Government attaches 
particular importance to social investments aime d at improving the living standards of households.  Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
 Page 33 
 
 
  As early as 2008, Togo organized a round table of de velopment partners in Brussels with a view to 
reviving cooperation with the entire international co mmunity.  It intends to pursue and strengthen the 
ongoing political and economic reforms.  Accordingl y, in March 2012 a national forum was organized 
on the economic challenges facing Togo.  The results  of this forum will contribute to the PRSP-II 
currently being prepared. 
14. Social and political priorities are to strengt hen democracy, security and peace;  reinforce 
national solidarity;  and meet the e ducational and cultural challenge. 
15. These measures should enable the Togolese economy to  return to real annual growth at a rate 
of over 4 per cent in the short term, and close to th e 7 per cent needed in the medium term to reduce 
poverty and attain the Millenni um Development Goals (MDGs). 
(2) FOREIGN INVESTMENT REGIME  
16. Investment in Togo is governed by the Invest ment Code Law of 19 January 2012.  The new 
law on free-zone status was adopted in November  2011.  It should be borne in mind that the 
harmonization of investment strategies in the framework of WAEMU is also under way.  The Government is conducting an impact assessment on investment promotion in order to readapt the 
free-zone status.  A single investment promotion ag ency, the Agency for the Promotion of Investment 
and the Free Zone (API-ZF), was created in 2012.  A UNIDO country programme is currently under 
preparation. 
17. In an effort to improve the business climat e, the Government has taken the following 
measures:  improvement of the performance of th e single window (Business Formalities Centre);  
development and fitting out of industrial infrastruct ure;  creation of a regulatory framework conducive 
to investment;  improvement of the national qua lity programme (accreditation, standardization and 
quality promotion system);  revitalization and supp ort programmes for private sector development;  
and signature of an SME/SMI Charter. 
III. TRADE POLICIES AND PRACTICES 
(1) G
ENERAL TRADE POLICY OBJECTIVES  
18. Togo is keen to strengthen and improve its pos ition as a commercial centre and country of 
transit in West Africa.  With that in view, it intends to serve as a hub for imports and exports from 
neighbouring countries, particularly those that are la ndlocked.  It will be assisted in these aims by the 
establishment of a single window for foreign trade.  An electronic tracking system was introduced for goods in transit via the Kodjoviakopé-Lomé Port-S anvee Condji corridor, and is being extended to 
cover National Highway No. 1 from Lomé-Port to Cinkassé. 
19. The Government is pursuing a trade policy based  on the following priorities:  promotion of 
domestic trade and monitoring of compliance w ith the rules of competition;  promotion of 
Togolese exports;  strengthening of supply channels to the Togolese economy;  promotion of entrepreneurship in the trade sector;  and va lue addition in other sectors of the economy. WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
Page 34 
  
  (2) TRADE LAWS AND REGULATIONS  
(i) Foreign trade 
20. The liberalization measures under way encompass, inter alia , the elimination of the State 
trading monopoly;  of import licences and permits;  of export licences for local industrial goods, 
cereals and other food produc ts as well as cash crops;  and of quotas and bans. 
21. However, to protect local consumption in the event of shortages, provisional measures may be 
adopted in respect of local industrial goods as well as cereals and other foodstuffs.  Where 
circumstances warrant, provisional bans may also be  applied in order to safeguard human and animal 
safety and health and protect the environment. 
22. In order to operate, every importer, exporter a nd shipper is required to obtain an importer's, 
exporter's or shipper's card. 
23. Moreover, resolved to secure fresh progress in the building of African unity, Togo has been 
applying the OHADA uniform acts since 2000 with a view to furthering regional integration and involving the continent more closely in the world economy. 
24. Togo likewise applies the liberalization progr ammes, codes, principles and community 
regulations adopted by ECOWAS and the WAEMU in  general.  In 2009, Togo adopted a law on the 
organization of the programme to liberalize and ha rmonize activities pertaining to standardization, 
certification, accreditation, metrology and the environment. 
(ii) Domestic trade 
25. Togo's own competition law and the Community regulations have been in force since 
1 January 2003.  The National Competition an d Consumption Commission set up in 2006 is 
experiencing operational problems. 
26. Prices have been deregulated apart from those of some sensitive products such as water, 
electricity and hydrocarbons, which remain  subject to administrative controls. 
27. Business activities are not subject to any restri ctions.  The Business Formalities Centre has 
been in operation since 2006.  In 2008, a delegation was appointed to organize and structure the 
informal sector. 
(iii) Fiscal measures 
28. Domestic taxation is governed by the Genera l Tax Code of 1983, as amended in 1985.  
Annual laws on finance supplement or amend existi ng provisions.  Since 1997, the Government has 
applied VAT at a single rate of 18 per cent. 
(iv) Tariff measures 
29. Togo applies the WAEMU Community Code  (Common External Tariff) based on the 
Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS). Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
 Page 35 
 
 
  (v) Trade support structures 
30. The principle ones are:  the Foreign Trade Direct orate;  the National Institute for Industrial 
Property and Technology;  the Togolese Centre for Exhibitions and Fairs in Lomé;  the Regional 
Chambers of Trades;  the National Competition and Consumption Commission;  the Chamber of 
Commerce and Industry of Togo;  the National Shi ppers Council of Togo;  the Lomé-Tokoin Airport 
Company;  the Autonomous Port of Lomé;  the National SME/SMI Promotion and Financing 
Guarantee Agency;  the Regional Chambers of Agricu lture;  the Centre for Business Formalities;  the 
Court of Arbitration of Togo;  the National Civil Aviation Agency;  the Subcontracting and 
Partnership Exchange;  the Coor dinating Committee for the Coffee-Cocoa Chain;  and the National 
Committee for International Trade Negotiations. 
(vi) Trade agreements 
(a) Bilateral trade agreements 
31. Since 2006, trade agreements have been  negotiated by the WAEMU Commission. 
(b) Regional trade agreements 
32. As an LDC, Togo benefits from the Generalized  System of Preferences (GSP).  Under the 
terms of the Cotonou Agreement, to which Togo is  a signatory, ECOWAS is authorized to negotiate 
Economic Partnership Agreemen ts (EPAs) on its behalf. 
(c) Multilateral trade agreements 
33. In the context of the Uruguay Round, among other things Togo signed the Final Act on 
19 August  1994 in Geneva and ratified the Marrakesh Agre ement Establishing the WTO.  It has thus 
been a WTO founding Member since 31 May 1995. 
(vii) Togo's commitments und er the WTO Agreement 
(a) Trade in goods 
34. Upon joining the WTO, Togo bound its customs tariff  at a maximum rate of 80 per cent, this 
ceiling corresponding to the sum of the fiscal import duty at the maximum rate of 30 per cent plus the other taxes and charges pertaining to statistics, tolls  and the customs stamp duty that apply to trade in 
goods. 
(b) Trade in services 
35. Togo has not assumed any further commitments in this area beyond those relating to tourism 
and travel, recreation, culture and sports, and th e related construction and engineering services. 
(c) Trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights 
36. Togo is a signatory to the revised Bangui Agreement creating the African Intellectual 
Property Organization (OAPI), which serves as a nati onal office for the management of intellectual 
property titles.  Togo is also a member of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
Page 36 
  
  (d) Notifications 
37. In 2011, Togo appointed a national notification authority, and it submits notifications for the 
purposes of the integrated database and the different WTO Agreements. 
(e) Trade policy review 
38. This is Togo's third trade policy review since 1999. 
(viii) Trade-related technical assistance 
39. Togo is a beneficiary of WTO assistance: 
- Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF); 
 
- expanding and improving human and material resources, as well as mechanisms for 
gathering, managing and disseminating import-  and export-related trade information;  
and 
 
- information and training in the form of workshops and seminars - for example for 
parliamentarians and civil society - cove ring negotiations, notification, non-tariff 
barriers, sanitary and phytosanitary measures, standardization, services, and in 
particular, the WTO and its agreements. 
 
IV. SECTORAL POLICIES 
Agriculture, livestock, fisheries, envi ronment and natural resource management 
 
(1) AGRICULTURE  
40. The agricultural sector, considered to be th e engine of Togo's economic growth and 
accounting for close to 40 per cent of GDP, has progressed considerably with its development 
programme since 2007.  Its growth rate in 2009 was as high as 9.9 per cent before stabilizing at 
about 5 per cent betwee n 2009 and 2011.  A major challenge for Togo will be to maintain and 
improve this momentum as it implements its Nationa l Agricultural and Food Security Investment 
Programme (PNIASA), which involves efforts along the entire production chain through a series of complementary projects:  PADAT, PASA, PPAAO, PDPRI-MÔ, PDPR-K, PARTAM and PBVM. 
41. This programme, which is Togo's version of the NEPAD Comprehensive Africa Agriculture 
Development Programme (CAADP), is linked to th e MDGs and the PRSP, and it is thanks to the 
efforts made in that context that in 2010, T ogo was able to reach the completion point under 
the HIPC.  When it comes to implementing the PNIASA, due account is taken of the major constraints affecting the sector, namely:  inadequate manageme nt of land, water and agricultural mechanization 
and insufficient funding for agricultu re, livestock and fisheries.  A reference framework for the sector, 
its objectives are:  to strengthen food security a nd achieve an agricultural GDP growth rate of at 
least 6 per cent;  to improve the trade balance by reducing imports and increasing exports;  and to 
raise the income of producers. Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
 Page 37 
 
 
  (2) ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT  
42. The regulations governing forestry developmen t are administered by the Ministry of the 
Environment and Forest Resources.  The adop tion of the Environmental Code in 1988 was 
undoubtedly a major advance in environmental protec tion policy.  The signature and ratification of 
numerous international agreements  on environmental protection has continued.  Since 2008, Togo has 
adopted a Framework Law on the Environment (replacing the Environmental Code of 1988), a Forestry Code, and a Law on the Prevention of Biotechnological Risks. 
43. In this connection, sectoral strategies and plans have been drawn up, including:  the National 
Environmental Policy, the National Action Plan for the Environment (PNAE), the Forestry Policy, the 
National Action Plan for the Fight Against Desertific ation, the National Action Plan for Adaptation to 
Climate Change (PANA), the National Strategy for Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity, 
the National Forestry Action Plan (PAFN), the Refrigerant Management Plan, the Biosecurity Implementation Plan and the National Strategy for the Management of Persistent Organic 
Pollutants (POPs), the National Programme of  Decentralized Environmental Management 
Actions (PNADE), the National Investment  Programme for Environment and Natural 
Resources (PNIERN), the National Programme for Environmental Management (PNGE), a National 
Agency for Environmental Management (ANGE), etc. 
44. Government action will consist of  boosting human and material capacities;  strengthening the 
legal framework by adopting implementing regulations  for already existing laws and agreements that 
have been ratified;  effectively including an envi ronmental dimension in all development projects;  
and strengthening the process of subregional integra tion and international cooperation with a view to 
joint management of shared or cross-border resources. 
(3) I
NDUSTRY , MINING , HANDICRAFTS AND SERVICES  
(i) Industry 
45. Industry is currently limited to the manufacturing sector, which is itself relatively new.  
Agro-industry makes up most of the sector, but th ere is also phosphate mining, production and 
crushing of clinker, production of iron ore, an d marble.  To underpin the revitalization of the 
economy, emphasis will be placed on priority actio ns covering the developm ent and fitting out of 
industrial infrastructure to provide facilities for investors;  the introduction of a regulatory framework conducive to investment;  and improvement of the system of accreditation, certification, 
standardization and quality assurance. 
(ii) Mining 
46. Togo has abundant mineral resources.  Phospha tes, limestone, clinker and cement account for 
some 60 per cent of exports.  To further develop the mining industry, the Government's policy is 
aimed at diversifying mining products;  promoti ng both onshore and offshore oil exploration;  
boosting the human and material capacities of the department in charge of mining and energy;  
revising the Mining Code to make it more a ttractive;  and promoting artisanal mining. 
(iii) Handicrafts 
47. Accounting for approximately 18 per cent of GDP , handicrafts are an important tool in the 
fight against unemployment and poverty.  Togo has adopted a policy of promoting handicrafts, and a 
draft handicrafts code is in the process of being adopted. WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
Page 38 
  
  (iv) Services 
48. The decision to diminish the role of governme nt in the production of goods and provision of 
services and to dismantle monopolies facilitates trade liberalization and the development of viable 
financial, banking and insurance systems. 
(a) Transport 
49. Togo is in the process of developing its transpor t policy.  The Government's objectives in this 
sector include improving the maintenance of road infrastructure and enhancing the competitiveness of 
the Togolese corridor for the transport of goods to landlocked countries.  Accordingly, the 
Government reduced the number of checkpoints along the Lomé-Cinkassé corridor.  It plans to create 
a dry port at Blitta to facilitate the transport of goods to the landlocked countries;  to make the 
Autonomous Port of Lomé (PAL) more competitive by building a third quay and a container terminal and bringing the single foreign trade window into  operation;  to restructure and improve the 
performance of railway transport by upgrading the ex isting railways and building new tracks;  and to 
improve the legal and institutional framework of the transport sector. 
(b) Post and telecommunications 
50. A gradual liberalization of the telecommunicati ons market starting in 1998 has enabled Togo 
to diversify the products and services offered.  Step s are being taken to grant a third mobile licence.  
There is a regulatory body for the sector, th e Post and Telecommunications Regulatory 
Authority (ART&P).  The restructuring of postal services will continue until they are privatized.  As to new information and communication technologi es, the government is continuing its efforts to 
make computer hardware and software  and consumables accessible to all. 
(c) Electricity and water 
51. Government action with respect to water and electricity will target the continued 
implementation of measures to ensure the recovery of operating costs and to apply rates that will 
enable the production units to be profitable.  To improve management efficiency in the sector, the 
government has developed a national water policy, adopted a Water Code, and introduced a National 
Action Plan for the Water and Sanitation Sector (PANSEA) as well as Integrated Water Resources 
Management (IWRM).  Togo is currently developing a national energy policy, and a strategic plan for 
the electricity subsector was drawn up in 2010. 
52. The Government will also endeavour to promote private sector investment in energy and 
water management with a view to improving the s upply to the population.  The ultimate aim is an 
overall solution to energy and water problem s through subregional cooperation, the GAZODUC 
inter-State project (Ghana, Togo, Beni n and Nigeria) being one example. 
53. For the medium term, the Government's priority  will be to increase electricity production and 
thereby reduce the country's dependence on imports.  The Benin Electricity Community (CEB) is the entity responsible for these activities, which will consist mainly of rehabilitating and maintaining 
thermal power stations, building a new dam on th e Mono river, and evaluating and harnessing the 
country's energy resources.  The installation of the 100 MW ContourGlobal power plant in 2010 has 
helped to meet the national demand for electricity. Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea-Bissau and Togo WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1
 Page 39 
 
 
  (d) Tourism 
54. Tourism is a potential growth industry which could, in its turn, stimulate many other 
economic and socio-cultural activities.  A policy pape r was developed for the sector and validated in 
January 2011.  It mentions, among the key objec tives for the sector, the drawing up of a national 
master plan for the development and organization of  tourism;  the development of existing tourist 
sites;  determination of regiona l development hubs;  setting up of t ourism promotion entities (national 
office, advisory committee, regional boards);  up dating of the regulatory and tax framework to 
provide greater incentive and make the sector more attractive;  development of human resources for tourism services and training tourist guides;  aw areness raising among the various population groups 
and categories of law enforcement services that are involved with tourists and their safety and with 
the protection of tourist sites;  promotion of na tional and subregional tourism;  and promotion of 
private investment in the sector, particul arly the development of tourist sites. 
V. CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 
55. This trade policy report by Togo reflects th e Government's national economic and social 
development policy.  The various different aspects of that policy focus on one aim:  to contribute 
significantly to economic growth.  This objectiv e cannot be attained without the support of 
development partners.  Since reaching the co mpletion point under the HIPC initiative in 
December 2010, Togo has been working on a trade po licy paper.  It is therefore looking to the 
World Trade Organization for increased technical assistance in implementing its trade policy.  
The Government is counting on its technical and financial partners to increase aid for trade. WT/TPR/G/266/Rev.1 Trade Policy Review
Page 40 
  
  ABBREVIATIONS AND ACRONYMS 
 
ACP:  African, Caribbean and Pacific States ADB:  African Development Bank 
OAPI:  African Intellectual Property Organization 
ANAC:  National Civil Aviation Agency ANGE:  National Agency for Environmental Management API-ZF:  Agency for the Promotion of Investment and the Free Zone APRM:  African Peer Review Mechanism 
ART&P:  Post and Telecommunications Regulatory Authority 
AU:  African Union CAADP:  Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Programme CEB:  Benin Electricity Community CFAF:  CFA Francs CNDH:  National Human Rights Commission 
COPAZ:  Co-Prosperity Alliance Zone 
CPDC:  Permanent Framework for Dialogue and Negotiations 
CVJR:  Togolese Truth, Justice and Reconciliation Commission ECOWAS.  Economic Community of West African States EIF:  Enhanced Integrated Framework 
EPA:  Economic Partnership Agreement 
EU:  European Union GDP:  Gross Domestic Product GPA:  Global Political Agreement HIPC:  Heavily Indebted Poor Countries HS:  Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System 
IMF:  International Monetary Fund 
IRENA:  International Renewable Energy Agency IWRM:  Integrated Water Resources Management LDCs:  Least Developed Countries MDGs:  Millennium Development Goals 
OHADA:  Treaty on the Harmonization of Business Law in Africa 
PADAT:  Togo Agricultural Development Support Project PAFN:  National Forestry Action Plan PAL:  Autonomous Port of Lomé PANSEA:  Action Plan for the Water and Sanitation Sector 
PASA:  Agricultural Sector Support Project 
PNADE:  National Programme of Decentralized Environmental Management Actions PNAE:  National Action Plan for the Environment PNGE:  National Programme for Environmental Management PNIASA:  National Agricultural and Fo od Security Investment Programme 
PNIERN:  National Investment Programme for Environment and Natural Resources 
PPAAO:  Project for the Improvement of Agricultural Productivity in West Africa 
PRSP:  Poverty Reduction Strategy Paper UN:  United Nations VAT:  Value Added Tax WAEMU:  West African Economic and Monetary Union 
WIPO:  World Intellectual Property Organization 
 
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