Centered around the theme "The Levers of Economic Growth in the Democratic Republic of Congo," the Minister of External Trade, Jean-Lucien Bussa, has made it clear that the Democratic Republic of Congo is a "true land of opportunity"; that the DRC is "capable of achieving growth rates beyond 8%."

To this end, he has touted the business opportunities offered by the DRC in various sectors, including agro-industry, manufacturing, airport, road and rail infrastructure, construction, housing, hospitals, and energy.

"Do not hesitate to come invest in the DRC. The business climate is improving further every day thanks to a clear will, a clear vision by the President of the Republic to place the investor, the entrepreneur at the heart of our country's economic action. Today, the head of state himself has addressed the issue of improving the business climate," said Jean Lucien Bussa.

And he added:

"(...) Come here where you will be certain to deal with the owner, not the middleman. The DRC is the owner of all its natural resources that you see emerging in one country or another, and these countries are considered the largest exporters of products that do not come from their own soil. This is very worrying. Come here, invest in the DRC, and you will ensure that your billions should come here rather than elsewhere."

The French ambassador to the DRC, Bruno Aubert, praised "this movement of encouragement and emulation among French and Congolese economic actors. Many (about fifty) companies are not only interested but are already present and active in the DRC."

For his part, the President of the Franco-Congolese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCIFC), Bertrand Bisengimana, indicated that this business fair, which runs until Friday, April 26, is a continuation of the French President's friendship and cooperation visit to the DRC a year ago.

Several themes are addressed, such as "the energy transition and critical metals, urban infrastructure and the challenges of sustainable living, digital technologies, agribusiness, logistics and infrastructure, energy, and health."

Apart from the conferences scheduled at the Congo hall of the Pullman hotel, there are workshops to be held under the Marquee of the same hotel.

According to him, the main purpose of this eighth edition is to facilitate meetings between French and Congolese companies and B2B, as well as encounters between companies and institutions.

This year, he continued, 43 exhibitors are being hosted, and numerous companies have come from France, from the mainland or overseas territories like Réunion Island.

Gisèle Tshijuka