Setting the 2025 Agenda at the First CTBC Annual Meeting
On Thursday, January 30, 2025, the Cameroon Türkiye Business Council (CTBC) held its first Annual General Meeting (AGM) at the Krystal Palace Hotel in Douala. The meeting focused on discussing the 2025 Calendar of Activities.
Key Agenda Items included:
- Review of investment growth from Türkiye in Cameroon.
- Introduction of new leadership: New President of TCBC, New Ambassador for Türkiye in Cameroon, and the increased involvement of CCIMA.
- Information on upcoming fairs in Türkiye for 2025 and preparation for Trade Missions.
- Identification of priority areas in Cameroon to encourage joint ventures with Turkish businessmen.
- Announcement of CTBC membership benefits to attract quality members.
The meeting was interactive, with Steve Fonkam as the host. He welcomed all guests, apologized for the late start, and acknowledged the presence of esteemed guests, including representatives of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts (CCIMC), the Director of Maarif Schools of Cameroon Douala Campus, the Sales Director of Cimpor Cameroon Douala Office, and the Managing Director of TONA Exim. TONA Exim, a new council member, focuses on trade between Cameroon and Türkiye, offering products such as car fluids and filters, with plans to install a car filter manufacturing plant in the future.
Executive Director’s Report: Etonde Ndoping, the Executive Director of the CTBC, highlighted the milestones achieved in 2024, including:
- Establishment of two joint ventures between Turkish and Cameroonian businessmen.
- Creation of two Turkish companies in Cameroon.
- Resolution of tax-related issues for Turkish companies.
- Collaboration with the Investment Promotion Agency (IPA) to expand factory capacities for Turkish companies.
- Connection of over 15 Cameroonian businessmen with Turkish counterparts in various sectors such as health, construction, manufacturing, retail, and agro transformation.
Benefits of CTBC Membership:
- Discounts on Turkish Airlines and travel-related perks.
- Rebates on rooms and event spaces at Krystal Palace, a CTBC partner.
- Business visa assistance.
- Access to business intelligence and insights.
- Proximity to key institutions such as CCIMC, IPA, CNSC, and both embassies.
- Direct access to Commercial Counselors and Ambassadors for urgent matters.
Special Acknowledgments:
- Olcay Akay, a key Turkish businessman, was recognized for his contributions to creating an enabling environment for Turkish businesses in Cameroon.
- Dr. John AKWA of Fondation Medicale Saint Sylvestre, Bonaberi, was acknowledged for his successful partnership with Anatolya IVF Center.
Upcoming Events:
- List of fairs in Türkiye for 2025 was shared, with advice for members to choose fairs to attend.
- Emphasis on informing CTBC before entering business relationships with Türkiye for due diligence.
2025 Activity Calendar Highlights:
- Business Breakfasts: Bi-monthly events focusing on showcasing members' businesses.
- Round Table Luncheons: Quarterly events for sector-specific discussions and problem-solving with government experts.
- Networking Cocktails: Casual events for members to discuss various topics.
- Joint Economic Forum: Scheduled for May 2025, with sideline events for Turkish and Cameroonian business communities.
- Turkish Cuisine Week: Cultural event celebrating Turkish culinary arts.
- Türkiye National Day Celebration: Celebrating Türkiye with friends of Türkiye around Cameroon in October.
- End of Year Gala: New event to celebrate achievements, scheduled for December or early 2026.
- Soccer Fundraising Tournaments: Opportunities to discover hidden soccer talents and sponsorship opportunities.
- Trade Missions to Türkiye: Concurrently with events in Cameroon, throughout the year.
- Quarterly AGMs: Next AGM scheduled for March 2025.
The presentation generated significant interest, with guests picking up membership registration forms and engaging with the CTBC team. Networking, media interviews, and Q&A sessions followed over drinks and hors d'oeuvres.