At symposium in Yaounde: Gov’t reiterates move to benefit from Commonwealth market.

The symposium was organised as a part of preparatory activities geared towards the commemoration of the 2024 Commonwealth Day on March 11. 

The Day will be observed under the theme: “One resilient common future”.

Meanwhile, speaking at the Yaounde symposium, the Secretary General at the Ministry of External Relations, MINREX, Chinmoun Oumarou, singled out business as an important catalyst for growth.

He reminded stakeholders that there was still much untapped room for economic growth within the Commonwealth.

While calling on entrepreneurs to harness the trade and investment potential presented by the Commonwealth so as to leverage on the country’s implementation of the National Development Strategy, NDS30, Chinmoun Oumarou, maintained confidence in the country’s capacity to uncover new grounds for growth and development.

He had equally highlighted that government has been playing an active role in facilitating the process of national actors to take full advantage of the economic opportunities within the commonwealth networks.

He cited the permanent working platform established by the Cameroon National Shippers Council and MINREX on September14th 2021. 

Chinmoun Oumarou recalled that government through MINREX had established a governmental strategic partnership with the Commonwealth in January 2018. He said since then, ties have never ceased to deepen.

The MINREX scribe said the partnerships cut across water, trade and investment, infrastructure, seaport management, law and telecoms.

He then restated that Cameroon has taken a firm commitment to be active at major commonwealth events especially the Commonwealth Business Forum, CBF. 

Chinmoun Oumarou recounted that last year, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of Cooperation with the Commonwealth, Felix Mbayu, had led two Cameroonian delegations at the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Forum held in Bangladesh on September 13 and 14.

Minister Mbayu, it was said, also led a delegation to the Commonwealth Trade and Investment Summit held in London, UK on November 27 and 28. 

“These participations give investors an appetite for Cameroon, while learning from their experience. I am confident in our capacity to uncover more cooperation avenues for economic growth and development. We are all encouraged to leverage this opportunity, to share ideas for growth and development,” he said.

He has, meanwhile, commended the Commonwealth Enterprise and Investment Council for work done in facilitating trade and investment within the Commonwealth market place.

The Commonwealth of Nations, it should be said, is made up of 56 countries that are trading and business partners with Cameroon. The UK, Canada, India, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and Australia are among key members.

Minister visit stands, encourages public, private institutions

The Minister Felix Mbayu, Thursday visited exhibitions stands at the Commonwealth village at the National Museum. 

He applauded and encouraged public and private institutions. During the visit, exhibitors presented what their institutions and enterprises are doing to contribute to the growth and development of the country.

Minister Mbayu, through the visit, discovered remarkable projects in the pipeline such as the environment friendly six storey building which can accommodate hundreds of people, but built on a small surface area. 

The project presenters from the Ministry of Public Works, highlighted that with such houses, there won’t be need to cut down more trees for houses, hence protecting the environment.

Impressed by the presentation, Minister Mbayu asked if the ministry has the necessary technology to support such a structure to which the presenters were affirmative.

Minister Mbayu ended his visit at the stand of the Ministry of Defense where he was drilled on military practices, tactics, grades, and military hierarchy. 

Minister Mbayu expressed gratitude and encouraged the military officials and officers to continue to protect and maintain peace in the nation.

“It is thanks to you people we are able to move around freely. Keep up the good work,” he said.