At official opening of PROMOTE: Gov't says private sector lever, driving force for dev't.

The Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, chaired official opening on behalf of the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute. 

The ceremony was heavily attended by heads of international and local enterprises, national and diplomatic institutions.

The 10th edition of PROMOTE, which will run till June 21, has been placed under the theme: “Private businesses and the business environment, what guidelines for addressing national and international economic challenges?”. 

In his inaugural statement, the Prime Minister's representative said the theme chosen for PROMOTE 2026 reflects the importance that government, under the guidance of President Biya, attaches to the private sector.

According to the member of government, the private sector in general, and business in particular, are a lever and driving force for development. 

"It also fits into a well-known international context, marked by profound economic, technological and geopolitical changes," he stated.

Given the importance of the private sector, Minister Mbarga Atangana explained that the PROMOTE fair must serve as a trial run and a laboratory for innovation, exchange of experiences and know-how between countries of the North and the South, among countries of the South, between businesses in the North and South, and among businesses in the South.

While placing great emphasis on the visual appeal of the exhibition stands, he emphasised that the networking aspect of the fair has been significantly enhanced in all its forms with a team of well-briefed consultants to facilitate all the meetings.

The minister also conveyed government's appreciation to participants and partners from home and abroad that have honoured the 10th edition of the PROMOTE. 

He equally used the opportunity to laud the organisers of the exhibition fair, International InterProgress Foundation, for keeping the momentum.

Mbarga Atangana then singled out Andreas Schweitzer, President of the Foundation, and Pierre Zumbach, Senior Adviser to the President of the International InterProgress Foundation, for their leadership and interpersonal skills in the organisation of the fair.

The ceremony was marked by speeches from key stakeholders, and the award of special prizes marking 25 years since the Inception of PROMOTE.

The awards were given to institutions and personalities including Prime Minister Dr Chief Joseph Dion Ngute. The awards were in recognition of their indefatigable support to the PROMOTE initiative over the years.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3819 of Tuesday June 16, 2026