Burkina Faso belongs to the CFA Franc Zone, which fixes the value of the local currency to that of the French franc. Imports outweigh exports in value by a factor of five. Over one-third of exports are bought by France, which provides a similar quantity of Burkina Faso's imports. Outside the EU, neighbouring C te d'Ivoire is Burkina' s main trading partner. Suits should be worn for government and official business, otherwise a shirt and tie should suffice.
Most officials prefer to wear national dress.
French is the main language spoken in business circles and if the visitor does not have a command of French, interpreter services should be sought from the British Embassy.