Cotonou to host fourth ECOWAS Mining and Petroleum Forum on Thursday

Cotonou Benin (PANA) - The 4th Mining and Oil Forum of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), dubbed ECOMOF 2024, starts on Thursday in Cotonou, official sources in Benin's economic capital said on Monday.

The aim is to promote the mining and oil sectors in order to foster the economic and social development of ECOWAS member countries.

It is under the theme: "Geo-extractive resources and technologies: Pooling strategies to create added value in West Africa."

The theme underlines the importance of turning the mining and oil sectors into economic pillars, by developing attractive policies for investors and increasing the contribution of these sectors to government revenues.

Benin was chosen for the conference because of its mining and oil resources.

The country has put in place policies to improve competitiveness and diversify investment, while respecting environmental standards and promoting community development. The meeting will end on Saturday.

-0- PANA IT/JSG/BBA/MA 19Feb2024