To promote Made in Cameroon label: Trade minister secures new markets to exhibit Cameroonian products in China.

The visit was to lay the foundation for the collaboration in order to boost the agricultural sector. The initiative by the minister is part of the program “From Farm to Table”, which aims to showcase Cameroonian agricultural products in China while promoting the Made in Cameroon label.

The move, it was said, aligns with the government’s broader strategy to diversify exports and strengthen the country's international trade presence with Qingdao Center which is a key hub for agricultural trade in Asia.

During the visit, Minister Mbarga Atangana highlighted that the project perfectly aligns with the vision of the Head of State, President Paul Biya, to open up new markets and unlock new economic opportunities for Cameroonian products. 

“This is an incredible chance for our farmers to reach China’s huge market,” Mbarga Atangana is quoted as having disclosed after the visit. 

He said the products likely to benefit from such opportunity is the Cameroonian white pepper and chili, known for their distinctive flavor and quality.

“These spices embody the richness and diversity of our land. Their growing popularity in China holds great promise for our farmers,” the member of government added.

He went further to explain the importance of the partnership to the country, saying the plan is to build a full value chain, from Cameroonian farms to Chinese consumers, covering everything from processing to marketing. 

“This isn't just about exporting products, it’s about creating a complete value chain, from production to market and could open doors for other agricultural exports, like cocoa, coffee, and bananas,” the minister pointed out.

According to reports published by the National Institute of Statistics, NIS, in June 2024, China was one of Cameroon’s biggest trade partners in 2023. It was also the second-largest market for Cameroonian exports in Asia, recording an export of 936,100 tonnes of goods to China, valued at 231.9 billion FCFA marking a 33.9% increase compared to 2022.

The report added that over 97% of these exports were raw materials, with crude oil and liquefied natural gas making up 57.8% and 10.5% of the total export value, respectively. 

Other exports included raw timber, like Okan (6.4%), sawn Sapelli wood (3.7%), and raw Tali timber (2.2%), along with unprocessed cotton (3.1%). 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3233 of Wednesday September 18, 2024