F E AT U RE capital, Abidjan. A new highway and tramway (Mtro) have, says Castro, helped alleviate congestion in one of West Africas biggest cities. Business in both countries is easy and open if you understand the history, culture and needs in Africa, he adds. The industry has been very steady over the past couple of years, but you need to be Members of the AGS team FIDI AFFILIATES IN WEST AFRICA IAL NIGERIA LIMITED CRESEADA INTERNATIONAL LTD AGS FRASERS IVORY COAST AGS FRASERS SENEGAL MAXI-MOVE LAGOS LAGOS ABIDJAN DAKAR DAKAR NIGERIA NIGERIA IVORY COAST SENEGAL SENEGAL strong, professional and patient. The nature of AGSs business means it operates mostly in capital cities and urban environments. We dont often work in remote areas and, as a result, rarely face logistical challenges, says Castro. Were also fortunate, as Senegal is one of the most politically stable West African nations, so we have very little disruption. In Ivory Coast, all eyes are focused on the presidential elections planned for 2020, but generally speaking the political context still looks stable at this stage. Where does AGS see its emerging markets? New opportunities are opening in Mauritania and Uganda as petroleum industries are booming in both countries, says Castro. Mozambique is also showing promise, as the country aims to be a major gas exporter by 2023. FIDI membership is a great advantage because it places our business and the services we offer on an international scale. Most of the competition we face in Senegal or Ivory Coast is from smaller, local companies. But our clients are familiar with FAIM accreditation, the quality seal theyre looking for. We often have special operations that pose a specific challenge. Last year, for example, we helped a well-known transnational food and drinks company dismantle and store an entire laboratory, effectively completing the entire operation between Christmas and new year. Were optimistic for the future the entire West African region faces very exciting times ahead. Our major business area is to deal with the insurance demands of the transport economy, especially in the eld of the moving industry. Over 30 years of experience and constant striving to bring our knowledge up to date ensures that we are in a unique position to know the sectors particular requirements. We are happy to assist you with any questions around your needs of transport insurance. Lets have lively discussions during the FIDI CONFERENCE Andreas Pfeifer, LL.M., International Internation Sales And Andreas.Pfeifer@hvd-hamburg.de ndrreas as.P Pfeifer@hvd-h ham ++49 49 ((0) 0) 40 40 6 679099 79099 2 21 1 www.hvd-hamburg.de 70 FF290 pp60-71 Regional Focus.indd 70 WWW. F I D I . OR G 13/03/2019 12:06