Welcome

CEO, KNG Strategy

Introductory remarks

His Excellency Minister of Industry and Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises

Opening remarks

Her Excellency Prime Minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo

Discussion on DRC’s industrial development, key development sectors and investment an export opportunities

The Industrialization Master Plan is an adequate response to the integrated development, economic recovery and rapid emergence of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The amount of the Industrialization Master Plan amounts to USD 58,336,000,000. This includes the cost of various infrastructures, road systems, railways, airports, ports, energy and development infrastructures of the Special Economic Zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Industrialization, small or large, modifies the economic structure and is a source of production because it creates employment, encourages professionalization and entrepreneurial training. The industrialization of the DRC is an absolute necessity, an unavoidable and undeniable factor in the fight against poverty, since it generates services, subcontracting companies.

Networking break

Overview of the vision on the industrialization of the DRC

Panel: Special Economic Zones – Opportunities

Law No. 14/022 of 7 July 2014 establishes the regime of Special Economic Zones in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Act aims to promote investment by establishing special economic zones.

These zones are demarcated areas of the national territory aimed at attracting massive investment, both national and foreign, and benefiting from a fiscal, parafiscal and customs regime that is more attractive than the ordinary law regime applied in the rest of the territory. In addition to this particularly incentivizing regime, an ZES also offers appropriate infrastructure and simplified administrative procedures. These areas are coordinated by the Special Economic Zones Agency (AZES)

This panel will explore opportunities to develop Special Economic Zones and will explore opportunities that can be put in place for the expansion of Zones.

Asian tigers as a model for industrial development

Asian tigers refer to four East Asian economies that experienced rapid industrialization and dramatic economic growth in the mid-twentieth century. This is because of their economic dynamism and their ability to attract foreign investment, thereby reducing unemployment and improving the living standards of their populations.

• Singapore Chamber of Commerce
• Chamber of Commerce of South Korea
• Malaysian Chamber of Commerce
• Thailand Chamber of Commerce

Qatar model for Asian development

• Qatar Chamber of Commerce
• Qatar Airlines

Panel: Critical Minerals – Capturing the Global Value Chain

In the context of global decarbonization, the demand for rare earths is expected to increase sixfold by 2040. More than 70% of the world’s cobalt is produced in the DRC, a mineral that is essential for the green energy transition, especially for electric vehicles. In addition, the DRC has untapped reserves of copper, tin and gold. This panel will present strategies, policies and best practices for responsible and sustainable mining operations in the DRC.

Lunch (50 minutes)

Panel: Infrastructure Development, Master Plan and Industrialization in the DRC

Infrastructure is one of the DRC’s development priorities and considerable efforts are needed to modernize the country’s basic infrastructure. The main sub-sectors include road infrastructure, healthcare infrastructure, power generation and transmission infrastructure, water and sanitation infrastructure, etc. This panel will explore the opportunities and challenges of meeting the DRC’s infrastructure needs. Speakers will discuss the need for business-friendly investment policies, innovative financing options, sustainable operations, and digital infrastructure priorities.

Closing remarks

Transition Break

Bilateral meeting

• Meeting Room 1. Industries & Infrastructure
• Meeting Room 2. Asian Tigers (Singapore, South Korea, Malaysia, Thailand + Qatar)
• Meeting Room 3. Mining and energy
• Meeting Room 4. Finance & Banking
• Meeting Room 5. Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
• Meeting Room 6. Export Promotions and Trade
• Meeting Room 7. Information and communication technology

Closure: Summary and Recommendations