On sidelines of Tokyo Int’l confab: PM, Japanese counterpart discuss boosting ties.

Dion Ngute and Shigeru met yesterday in Yokohama on the sidelines of the 9th edition of the Tokyo International Conference for African Development, TICAD, which ends today.

During yesterday’s intense and mutual exchanges, both Dion Ngute and Shigeru lived the major strides of what Japan and Cameroon have achieved together since the 1960s and reasserted a shared commitment to foster cooperation in different areas.

In line with government’s resolve to boost Foreign Direct Investment, FDI, and market Cameroon’s attractiveness as a fine business destination, Dion Ngute briefed the Japanese PM on adjustments made in the last few years.

The Prime Minister who is sitting in for the Head of State, Paul Biya, in the international conference made submissions in favour of more government-to-government partnerships and public private investments by the Japanese in Cameroon and Cameroonians in Japan.

Situating Japan as a major stakeholder with which Cameroon must keep its diplomacy fruitful, Dion Ngute told reporters at the end of discussions that: "The Japanese economy is the third largest economy in the world. Their private sector is ready to work with Cameroon so we have assured them that investment climate is very conducive for them to invest”.

Bringing Japanese investments into Cameroon, the Prime Minister remarked, “…will go a long to stimulate our economy and strengthen our collaboration…”.

Appreciates recent fruits of Japan-Cameroon relations

Beyond marketing strategic areas to get more Japanese businesses, technology and innovations power growth in Cameroon, the Prime Minister made a review of some of the most recent fruits of the country’s tie with the Asian country.

He told Shigeru that the Head of State, President Paul Biya, is happy with what both countries have been able to accomplished across the decades. 

"It was also important to voice out the satisfaction of the Head of State, President Paul Biya to the Japanese Government for their cooperation,” the Biya’s envoy to noted.

He recalled that: “We recently inaugurated the fish market in Douala, similar things have happened in Kribi, Far North Region with great support from the Japanese”. Dion Ngute said agriculture is another area where Japan is a major supporter of Cameroon.

Japan grateful to Cameroon

Commenting on his country’s ties with Cameroon, the Japanese Prime Minister praised Cameroon’s consistency in keeping its friendship and cooperation with his country in several areas. 

Shigeru expressed delight that since 1960, the country has kept its relations with Japan warm and productive. At international summits and gatherings including the United Nations, UN, Shigeru said Cameroon has always supported Japan.

He looked backed in amazement at what the two countries have achieved in several sectors for over 60 years, sounding optimistic for more in the coming decades.

Japan has also been a frontline supporter of government’s humanitarian activities in recent years. One of the most outstanding is the country’s support to the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Regions, PPRD-NW/SW.

PM deliver’s Biya’s message to global community

Meanwhile, when deliberations opened at TICAD Tuesday, the Prime Minister delivered the message of the Head of State, Paul Biya to leaders of several countries and international organisations in attendance.

In the message, Biya had in tune with his messages delivered to the diplomatic community on several occasions restated the need for shared commitments in making the world a better place. 

The Head of State was particular about minimizing conflicts, security challenges and addressing threats linked to climate change and other humanitarian challenges.

“However, this environment cannot be maintained without innovations that is why Cameroon wishes to co-develop with Japan and our TICAD partners early warning systems supported by Artificial Intelligence, Coastal and River Surveillance Technology, drones and digital platforms to enhance food security,” he said. 

On behalf of the Head of State, Dion Ngute said TICAD 2025 which ends today “is taking place at a time when our continent continues to grapple with multiple sources of tension further compounded by cross-country threats such as climate change, trans-national crimes and terrorism, cybercrimes, disinformation and pandemics".

Biya proposed the putting in place of a structure to further strengthen actions of the African Union, AU and its partners. 

African responses to contemporary challenges, Dion Ngute said on behalf of the Head of State, can best be addressed through “…stronger support, particularly in logistics, training and financing to ensure effective coherence…” and sustainability.

To note that Dion Ngute is accompanied by some members of government among them; the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, Alamine Ousman Mey; the Minister of External Relations, Mbella Mbella; and the Director Cabinet at the Prime Minister’s Office, Balungeli Confiance Ebune, among others.