The bilateral relationship between Thailand and Côte d’Ivoire has entered a new era of cooperation, with both nations committing to a strategic partnership focused on key areas such as food security, health, and agricultural transformation.
Recent high-level delegations have marked a significant milestone, aiming to leverage Thailand’s expertise to support Côte d’Ivoire’s development goals.
The momentum began with a historic visit by an Ivorian delegation to Thailand in February 2025. Led by the Ivorian Minister of Foreign Affairs, H.E. Mr. Léon Kacou Adom, the 57-member delegation was the first of its kind at the ministerial level in 59 years.
The visit culminated in the agreement to establish joint working groups dedicated to deepening cooperation in three critical areas: food security, health, and agriculture.
During this visit, the Honorary Consulate of Côte d’Ivoire in Thailand was inaugurated, along with the first-ever Côte d’Ivoire-Thailand Business Forum, signaling a strong desire to boost trade and investment.
A key highlight of the discussions was the focus on food security. Côte d’Ivoire, a major agricultural producer in West Africa, expressed a keen interest in benefiting from Thailand’s renowned expertise in rice production and industrialization.
The head of the Thai delegation, Ms. Sasirit Tangulrat, noted that two Ivorian nationals had already received training in Thailand on modern rice cultivation and processing techniques, showcasing the ongoing collaboration.
This aligns with a broader goal of agricultural transformation, with discussions extending to areas such as natural rubber production, where the Rubber Authority of Thailand and the Ivorian National Center for Agronomic Research are exploring opportunities for scientific knowledge sharing.
Additionally, a potential new rice importation arrangement between the two countries, which would build on past trade relations, remains a significant aspect of the food security agenda.
Beyond agriculture, the “human security” pillar of this new partnership opens doors for cooperation in health and pharmaceuticals. While specific details on health agreements have yet to be publicly announced, the inclusion of this area in high-level discussions indicates a mutual recognition of its importance.
This could lead to future collaborations in areas such as pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical technology, and public health initiatives.
The partnership also aims to create a more favorable environment for business and investment. Both nations have acknowledged the importance of a bilateral investment treaty (BIT) to instill confidence among entrepreneurs and investors.
Industrial interest
The Ivorian delegation’s visits to Thai industrial giants, such as Thai Eastern Group Holdings and Charoen Pokphand Foods, highlighted Thailand’s innovative industrial models and its commitment to a circular economy.
In return, Thai companies have expressed interest in Ivorian resources, particularly in the food industry, and in investment opportunities within the growing West African market.
This new phase of bilateral cooperation represents a strategic shift for both countries.
For Thailand, it offers an opportunity to expand its presence and influence in Africa. On the other hand, for Côte d’Ivoire, it provides a chance to diversify its partnerships and leverage Thailand’s proven track record in agricultural and industrial development to achieve its goals of economic transformation and food self-sufficiency.
The establishment of dedicated working groups and the exchange of delegations signal a clear and sustained commitment to turning these discussions into tangible results.
