The history of Benin is a succession of kingdoms. In 1704, France received permission to erect a port at Ouidah, and in 1752 the Portuguese founded Porto Novo. Two gold brindled panthers. Fraternity, Justice, Labor sandwritten on a lancepennon. Industry and Trading Industry accounts for only a small percentage of the gross domestic product.
Fishing industry meets only local consumption, so does textile industry.
Possotome village is, however, known for its internationally recognized mineral water. The development of off- shore fields at SEME and elsewhere are underway. There are attractive industrial projects and feasibility studies are available for some of them. The Beninese code of investment has been reviewed to insert, among other things, more incentives for investors. Benin is the natural gateway to Togo and Nigeria and to such landlocked countries as Burkina Faso, Niger and Mali.