At PROMOTE 2024: British High Commissioner says country strengthening ties with Cameroon for sustainable future.

Organised at the Yaounde Conference Centre, the 9th edition of the fair has been placed on the theme: “Private sector, evolution and structural transformation of African Economies”.

After cutting the symbolic ribbon marking the official opening of the UK Pavilion, the High Commissioner accompanied by his UK delegation and local investors made a tour of the different stands at the pavilion.

Speaking at the event, the British diplomat said the UK remains committed to deepen and solidify her partnership with Cameroon, especially in the domains of trade. 

According to Barry Lowen, UK’s third consecutive presence at the PROMOTE aims at solidifying a “modern partnership” for sustainable future. 

“That reflects our confidence in Cameroon’s potentials. We have some world leading British companies with their offers to work in partnership with Cameroon for a sustainable future,” the diplomat told The Guardian Post. 

To further exemplify that commitment, Lowen announced a number activities at the UK Pavilion during the fair for the interest of both countries. 

He cited a Green Economy symposium, setting the platform for strategic partnerships towards investments in the de-carbonisation agenda; the UK Education Forum with British Council and education partners, serving as public information session on accessing quality education and partnerships with the UK and a business cocktail for networking among business stakeholders.

In addition, a forum on women in business and innovation, a platform for discussions and networking between women entrepreneurs, fostering new partnerships will also hold at the UK Pavilion.

These activities, the UK official said “shows the depth of the partnership between the UK and Cameroon for the future”. 

Enter UK Cameroon Chamber of Commerce chairperson

Speaking to the press, the Chairperson of UK Cameroon Chamber of Commerce, Elias Pungong, expressed his delight to see the UK-Cameroon cooperation taking a new level. 

“We are delighted to be here to see this wonderful UK Pavilion. You can really feel that the trade and investment relationship between the UK and Cameroon has gone to another level,” Pungong stated. 

While acknowledging the emphatic presence of world-class UK companies exhibiting products and services, Pungong called on the general public to visit the UK Pavilion at PROMOTE to benefit from the unique opportunities. 

“We are inviting everybody to come and see as well as forge partnerships between Cameroonian and UK companies for the mutual benefits of a sustainable future,” he added. 

Bafaw traditional ruler hails UK-Cameroon relations 

On his part, the paramount ruler of the Bafaw and Nfon of Kumba in Meme, South West Region, Senator Nfon Mukete IV Ekoko, saluted the increased interest of British companies to invest in Cameroon. 

“British companies have enormous potential to do different and more creative things in bilateral trade between Cameroon and UK,” the Bafaw paramount ruler said. 

Besides Cameroon’s historic ties with Britain, the Senator argued that there’s still much to be exploited in the Cameroon-UK cooperation especially in the area of green economy where the UK is showing great leadership. 

“As we all know the President of the Republic is very keen on protecting the environment, so it is an area which I am looking at closely, and I hope that Cameroonian businesses should take advantage of,” he added. 

PROMOTE, which began February 17, will end on February 25.