The cocoa economy provides about 40% of export earnings, and contributes 10% to the formation of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Côte d'Ivoire. For the Ambassador of the European Union (EU), the sector generates more than 6 million jobs. Cocoa is present in the daily life of almost all of the 450 million consumers. For the Ambassador of the European Union (EU), Jobst Von Kirchmann, “CI's cocoa exports to the EU have increased by more than 60% in 10 years! ". First wealth of the Country in the GDP, cocoa in Côte d'Ivoire, represents 6 million direct or indirect jobs and 600,000 farm managers who animate the production apparatus.
The objective of the collaboration between the EU and Côte d'Ivoire is that cocoa production be sustainable, without deforestation, without child labor and with sufficient income for the growers. According to the diplomat, the two places in the world where cocoa has the most economic importance are Côte d'Ivoire, the leading producer, and the European Union, the leading buyer and consumer.
With an average annual production of 1,200,000 tons, or 41% of the world supply, Côte d'Ivoire is the world's leading producer of cocoa beans.