CTBC's First Annual Meeting & Members Mixer
Last Monday January 9th 2023, The CTBC hosted the first of its kind Annual Meeting and Members Mixer which brought together CTBC members from around the country for important deliberations on CTBC's strategy for 2023 at Akwa Palace hotel in Douala.
Between 5:30PM and 8:30PM, over 43 members of The CTBC were immersed in various activities which were designed to foster an environment of B2B networking, Learning and creating/strengthening business partnerships.
Following a captivating presentation of the CTBC which highlighted its raison d'etre and the core benefits of becoming a member, the Executive Director invited guests and potential members to become a part of the CTBC and usher in a new dimension for their organisations. She talked about the fairs and exhibitions that would take place in Türkiye in the first quarter of 2023 and encouraged guests and members to register and attend them as the CTBC together with the Turkish Embassy will be assisting with these travel and registration arrangements.
Some of the highlights of the event included presentations from partners of The CTBC including Turkish Airlines, Air Logistics, Blueberry Travel and Mouncharou Sarl, just to name a few.
The President of the CTBC – H.E (Nfon) Ekoko Mukete gave an information filled address which laid a lot of emphasis on the council, the good relationship that exists between Cameroon and Türkiye, the ease created by both Presidents to facilitate business between both business people and groups and encouraged everyone to take advantage of the opportunities. He laid emphasis on the need for a body to harness the bilatertal trade relationship between Cameroon and Türkiye and hence shared how CCIMA and DEIK decided in 2014 to setup the CTBC in Cameroon and the TCBC in Türkiye to encourage and manage this trade relationship.
He mentioned the existence of Turkish companies in Cameroon and the activities they carry out in construction, hospitality, manufacturing, retail, public works and education. He definitely applauded Turkish Airlines for their mastery of the terrain and all they are doing to make this business relationship thrive.
He mentioned the opportunities for partnership between Cameroonians and Turkish where we could bring the natural and human resources while Türkiye brings the expertise and equipment and together we could go to great lengths of economic success.
He threw some light on the tourism fair that took place last November in Limbe which had an impressive Turkish turnout and a beautiful stand that welcomed many visitors who came to ask questions about the CTBC, and Türkiye as a destination of choice and also where he gave the opening address and the Ambassador H.E Mr Volkan ISIKCI gave the closing address and emphasis was laid on the beauty of the coastal town of limbe and the opportunities that we could grab especially in the tourism industry.
"Türkiye is a leading tourism destination, and with our close relationship with Türkiye, we need to take advantage of the possibility of these partnerships and strike winning deals to increase employment and development in our various areas of origin within Cameroon."
He also called on members and guests to feel free to come to the Consulate anytime they have any issues and address all their issues to the Executive Director especially business related issues.
He talked about his First Vice President role at the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts which allows him to get foresight and an insight on projects to look forward to and also act as a guide to businesses in Cameroon and also foreign investors. He encouraged guests to be on the lookout for opportunities and to grab them when they come up. He also talked about the existence and key role of the Investment Promotion Agency, which is there to assist and facilitate the set up of foreign companies in Cameroon. He encouraged members and guests who were looking into working with Turkish experts to approach the IPA for guidelines and benefits they stood to gain if they entered into such win-win partnerships.
He concluded by thanking everyone for coming and encouraging them to stay connected to the CTBC and continue to run their businesses seriously.
In the days ahead, CTBC is facilitaing registrations for a number of fairs (for firms only) in the sectors of Food and beverage, Furniture, Packaging, Stationery, Yarn, Hardware and Fasteners, Home & Kitchen Appliances and Medical. If interested, you can download the following application form, fill and send to the Executive Director by email at info@ctbccam.org, etonde.ndoping@ctbccam.org
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