As part of its ongoing efforts to improve and modernise its services, the Directorate-General for Foreign Trade (DGCE) organised a communication and awareness-raising workshop on Wednesday 15 October 2025 at the General Confederation of Enterprises of Côte d’Ivoire (CGECI) on the quality policy developed as part of the ISO 9001 certification project.
This workshop marks an important step in the process of implementing a quality management system within the DGCE. It follows the validation, last August in Grand-Bassam, of the reference documents governing the quality approach. The objective of this meeting was twofold: to present the quality policy, in accordance with clause 5.2.2 of the ISO 9001 standard, and to raise awareness among staff of their key role in implementing the system, in line with clause 7.3.
A shared vision of excellence
Opening the proceedings, Mr Konan Yao Silvère, Director General of SME and Craft Promotion, representing Dr Kalilou Sylla, Director General of Foreign Trade, praised the mobilisation of officials and partners around this strategic initiative. He emphasised that this approach is fully in line with the vision of the Minister of Trade and Industry, Souleymane Diarrassouba, who considers quality and institutional performance to be essential levers for the development of Ivorian foreign trade.
‘The Minister’s ambition is to make Foreign Trade an efficient, modern and results-oriented administration, capable of supporting the competitiveness of our economy in an increasingly demanding international environment,’ he said.
Foreign Trade, a pillar of economic growth
A shared vision of excellence
Foreign trade, a pillar of economic growth
Foreign trade plays a central role in the national economy, accounting for nearly 40% of gross domestic product (GDP). In a context marked by trade diversification, structural transformation of exports and regional integration, process control and quality management are essential to sustainably strengthen Côte d’Ivoire’s position in international markets. The quality approach adopted by the DGCE is therefore part of a strategy of institutional performance and transparency, which are guarantees of confidence for economic operators and technical and financial partners.
A collective dynamic for continuous improvement
Throughout the workshop, participants were made aware of the importance of their involvement in the implementation of the Quality Management System (QMS). Discussions clarified the roles and responsibilities of each participant, reinforced understanding of the requirements of the ISO 9001 standard, and provided an opportunity to share experiences on results-oriented good administrative practices. The initiative reflects the DGCE’s desire to make quality culture a collective reflex, guaranteeing user satisfaction and the credibility of the Ivorian foreign trade administration.
Mr Siriki Tuo, Director of International and Regional Cooperation, welcomed the workshop and reaffirmed his commitment to supporting all actions aimed at strengthening the performance and competitiveness of foreign trade. This collective dynamic paves the way for ISO 9001 certification, a symbol of international recognition of the quality of public services provided. It positions Ivorian foreign trade on the path to operational excellence, serving economic development and influence.
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