SINGAPORE - Minister of state for Trade and Industry, Dr Koh Poh Koon, is visiting West African countries of Ivory Coast and Ghana to strengthen economic ties and explore business opportunities in the region.

Dr Koh's three-day visit to Ivory Coast ending March 29 included meetings with ministers and government officials to strengthen economic ties and bilateral relations.

"Ivory Coast will be able to access growing markets in the Asia region through Singapore while also gaining insights that are relevant to its developmental needs," Dr Koh said.

Singapore and Ivory Coast can collaborate on areas such as "construction, agriculture and urban development," he said.

Dr Koh was accompanied by a delegation of Singapore businesses, led by the Singapore Business Federation and International Enterprise, and the group held a business seminar with the Ivory Coast counterparts during the visit.

Dr Koh encouraged the two groups to explore opportunities in the region and potential areas for cooperation.

Dr Koh also released aluminium composite panel products by Archicom, a Singapore-based aluminium composite materials manufacturer.

The release signifies Archicom's first expansion into Africa and aims to meet growing demand for building and construction related services in Ivory Coast.

On Tuesday, Dr Koh spoke on public governance at the United Nations Development program international Conference on the Emergence of Africa.

The Minister will continue his stay in West Africa by visiting Ghana next for three days from March 29 to April 1.