After the Interafrican Coffee Organization (IACO), which has its headquarters in Abidjan, it is the turn of the International Cashew Advisory Council (CICC). In his opening remarks at the 3rd Cashew Processing Equipment and Technology Show (SIETTA), on Thursday, November 8th, Daniel Kablan Duncan (Ivorian Vice President) had wished the signing in a short time. It’s done Monday, November 12th. The documents relating to the Agreement making the Ivorian economic capital the seat of the CICC were initialed by Souleymane Diarrassouba (Minister of Commerce, Industry and SME Promotion of Côte d’Ivoire) and his counterpart in Benin, Ahissou Serge.
Benin’s Minister of Trade and Industry, chairman of the CICC, briefly recalled the importance of cashew cultivation in the economies of many African countries. Ahissou Serge thanked the Ivorian authorities for accepting that Abidjan is home to the CICC headquarters. Certainly a privilege for the world’s leading producer. But also requirements to meet, given the diplomatic status of the organization.
Souleymane Diarrassouba reassures: “The State of Côte d’Ivoire will respect its commitments vis-à-vis the CICC, ensuring that its operationalization takes place in good conditions.” The Ivorian minister sees the designation of Abidjan to host the headquarters of the organization as a mark of confidence of member countries in Côte d’Ivoire.
The idea of creating the CICC came into being in November 2014, during the first edition of SIETTA. Two years later, the birth certificate is signed by 9 countries. “On 18 November 2016, 5 states signed the Convention. Later, 4 other countries joined the organization. Today, 9 states make up the International Cashew Advisory Council, “said the Director General of the Cotton and Cashew Council, Adama Coulibaly.
The first CICC Council of Ministers was held on 29 September 2017 in Abidjan. On August 30, 2018, the city of Cotonou, Benin, hosted the second meeting. “During this meeting, the president of the CICC was asked to accelerate the signing of the Headquarters Agreement,” said the head of the Ivorian gray gold sector.
The CICC is a framework for cooperation among African cashew producing countries. They want their union to be an asset to influence the global market for this speculation.
OSSENE OUATTARA
