Society

To boost market competitiveness: ANOR, SMEs ministry partner to support local producers.

ANOR official speaking during workshop in Yaounde

The Standards and Quality Agency known by its French acronym ANOR, is partnering with the Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, MINPMEESA, to enhance the promotion of standards and quality among Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, SMEs, and local producers nationwide.

The collaboration between the two institutions is defined by a framework agreement, aimed to establish a platform for exchanging information on available and applicable standards for SMEs, the certification process, and the support opportunities ANOR offers to SMEs and local producers.

It is in this light that a workshop was organised in Yaounde on June 20, grouping officials of both ANOR and MINPMEESA.

The workshop was organised under the theme: “Reinforcing collaboration with sectoral administrations for the promotion of standards and quality of SMEs”.

According to the SMEs ministry, Very Small Enterprises, VSEs, currently constitute 70% of all SMEs in Cameroon.

However, many of these businesses lack awareness of the crucial role standardisation plays in expanding their market reach and transitioning to different business forms.

Cross-section of ANOR, MINPMEESA officials during workshop

Thus, the collaborative platform put in place is expected to significantly boost the dissemination of vital information regarding standards and certification, ultimately benefiting the competitiveness and quality of products offered by Cameroon’s SMEs and local producers.

The Yaounde workshop featured presentations by both institutions on their respective missions and actions supporting the development of Cameroonian VSEs/SMEs.

Following the presentations, both parties agreed to immediately create a platform for sharing databases and information on VSEs/SMEs.

Additionally, they planned to organise joint actions promptly to further their shared goals. The Head of Communication and Business Support at ANOR, Mamba Luc Claude, is said to have emphasised the importance of quality standards.

“Quality management is central to a company’s success because standards regulate the market and assure consumers and clients of product quality. A company that adheres to quality standards can be confident that its products will not fail in the market,” Mamba reads

Moreso, the two institutions will establish a monitoring committee to oversee the implementation of the framework agreement and intensify awareness campaigns among target audiences.

This collaborative effort is expected to significantly enhance the market positioning and product competitiveness of Cameroon’s SMEs and VSEs.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3149 of Tuesday June 25, 2024