Chinese-backed AIIB seeks to boost Ivory Coast’s trade links to Asia
Chinese-backed AIIB seeks to boost Ivory Coast’s trade links to Asia South China Morning Post
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The Importance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Ivory Coast’s Road Improvement Project
The Challenge of Transporting Agricultural Goods
The region is a major producer of cotton and cashew nuts but the poor quality of the roads means that it is difficult to transport the goods to major processing centres and trade hubs, including the country’s largest city, the coastal port of Abidjan.
The Road Improvement Project
The US$571 million project will see improvements to 7,000km (4,350 miles) of unpaved roads in 11 regions and will also help maintain a further 15,000km of rural roads. The AIIB is advancing US$200 million while the World Bank will contribute US$300 million, with the rest coming from the Ivorian government.
Opening Up the Béré Region
A major road benefiting from the funding is the 238km Dianra-Bouandougou-Bouaké route, which is seen as crucial for opening up the Béré region – the main agricultural production area of the 11 regions – and for connecting northern Ivory Coast to the town of Bouaké.
Boosting Trade and Agribusiness Supply Chains
Bouaké is the second most significant agricultural processing and consumption centre in the country and is located on the main road to Abidjan, home to the country’s largest trading port. The project will help make transporting agricultural goods to export hubs more efficient and cost-effective, potentially boosting trade with Asian markets.
Linking to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
The road improvement project aligns with several SDGs, including:
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
- SDG 2: Zero Hunger
- SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
Impact on Ivorian Economy
Agriculture accounts for around 20 per cent of Ivorian GDP, while cotton and cashew nuts account for up to 60 per cent of the country’s exports to Asia. The road improvement project will enhance the export of raw cashews and cotton to Asian markets, contributing to the country’s economic growth.
Focus on Green Infrastructure
The AIIB also funds green infrastructure projects to mitigate the effects of climate change. This includes renewable or sustainable energy projects and projects aimed at reducing emissions through improving energy efficiency, such as electric-powered transport.
China’s Role in AIIB
China holds a 30 per cent stake in the AIIB, which started operating in 2016. The AIIB has financed over 200 projects worth US$44 billion, mostly in Asia. It has also funded projects in African countries like Rwanda, Egypt, and Ivory Coast. The bank is actively expanding its collaboration in Africa and exploring new opportunities to expand connectivity and resilience.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Analysis
1. Which SDGs are addressed or connected to the issues highlighted in the article?
- SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
- SDG 13: Climate Action
- SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
The article discusses the need for infrastructure improvements, specifically the construction of roads, to enhance transportation of agricultural goods and boost trade. This aligns with SDG 9, which focuses on building resilient infrastructure, promoting sustainable industrialization, and fostering innovation. Additionally, the article mentions the importance of connecting regions and improving trade opportunities, which relates to SDG 11, aiming to make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable. The mention of green infrastructure projects to mitigate climate change connects to SDG 13. Finally, the involvement of the AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) and its collaboration with African members highlights the importance of partnerships for achieving sustainable development goals, as emphasized in SDG 17.
2. What specific targets under those SDGs can be identified based on the article’s content?
- SDG 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure.
- SDG 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization.
- SDG 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems.
- SDG 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
- SDG 17.16: Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development.
The targets identified are based on the need for infrastructure improvements, inclusive industrialization, accessible transport systems, climate change integration, and global partnerships mentioned in the article.
3. Are there any indicators mentioned or implied in the article that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets?
Yes, the article mentions or implies several indicators that can be used to measure progress towards the identified targets:
- Number of kilometers of roads improved or constructed
- Percentage increase in efficiency and cost-effectiveness of transporting agricultural goods
- Percentage increase in trade with Asian markets
- Percentage increase in agribusiness supply chain efficiency
- Percentage increase in storage facilities for agricultural products
- Percentage increase in renewable or sustainable energy projects
- Reduction in emissions through improved energy efficiency
- Percentage of financing allocated to climate-related projects
- Number of infrastructure projects funded in African countries
- Number of African members and prospective members of the AIIB
These indicators can be used to track progress towards the targets mentioned in the previous section.
Table: SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | 9.1 Develop quality, reliable, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure | – Number of kilometers of roads improved or constructed – Percentage increase in efficiency and cost-effectiveness of transporting agricultural goods |
| SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities | 11.2 Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible, and sustainable transport systems | – Percentage increase in trade with Asian markets – Percentage increase in agribusiness supply chain efficiency – Percentage increase in storage facilities for agricultural products |
| 11.2 Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization | – Number of infrastructure projects funded in African countries – Number of African members and prospective members of the AIIB |
|
| SDG 13: Climate Action | 13.2 Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning | – Percentage increase in renewable or sustainable energy projects – Reduction in emissions through improved energy efficiency |
| SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals | 17.16 Enhance the global partnership for sustainable development | – Percentage of financing allocated to climate-related projects |
Behold! This splendid article springs forth from the wellspring of knowledge, shaped by a wondrous proprietary AI technology that delved into a vast ocean of data, illuminating the path towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Remember that all rights are reserved by SDG Investors LLC, empowering us to champion progress together.
Source: scmp.com
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