The new Azovè regional market in Benin, which opened on 24 August, has 2,049 sales areas, including 1,746 stalls, 117 shops, 12 restaurants, 16 fishmongers, 16 butchers, a livestock sales area with 136 seats and 3 shops.
Benin is taking a step towards West African trade integration. The government of President Patrice Talon has transformed the 5.8 hectare Azovè market into a modern, safe, airy and secure space.
The modern Azovè regional market has been operational since Saturday 24 August 2024, according to a statement seen by APA on Monday, stressing that the Beninese government is continuing its efforts to provide traders with better conditions in which to carry out their activities.
The modern Azovè regional market now has 2,049 sales areas, including 1,746 stalls, 117 shops, 12 restaurants, 16 fishmongers, 16 butchers, a livestock sales area with 136 seats and 3 shops, thus meeting the needs of all players in the value chain,” the statement said.
It quoted Eunice Loisel Kiniffo, Director General of the National Market Management Agency (ANaGeM), as saying that the modern Azovè regional market will attract a growing number of traders, making the Couffo region even more attractive.
This dynamic will lead to an increase in trade, job creation and higher incomes for the local population. It is a real lever for boosting the local economy,’ she said.
In her inaugural speech, the minister for Industry and Trade, Shadiya Alimatou Assouman, pointed out that the modern Azovè regional market is the fruit of the vision of the government and its leader, President Patrice Talon, who has always placed the well-being of the people and the development of Benin’s economy at the heart of his priorities.
According to the minister, by investing in commercial infrastructure of this magnitude, the government is taking a giant step towards improving the working conditions of women in our markets and promoting a dynamic and resilient local economy.
”This new market features modern facilities and equipment designed to meet the current needs of women, traders and users. It offers well-organised trading areas, high quality sanitary facilities, safe storage areas, parking spaces and, most importantly, a waste management system”, Ms Assouman concluded.
TE/sf/lb/as/APA