TCBC-DEIK President Dr ŞAHIN concludes a 2-day business visit to Cameroon.
Following strategic visits to various Ministries, the Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Forests of Cameroon, and the Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. İHSAN ŞAHIN – President of the Türkiye Cameroon Business Council TCBC-DEIK concluded an immensely fruitful business visit to Cameroon last week with a deepened understanding of the Cameroonian economic landscape and commitment to boost trading volumes between both Republics to over $400 million this year.
In the footsteps of his predecessor Mr. Ahmet DEMİRTAŞ who led a TIM delegation to Cameroon in October 2023, Dr ŞAHIN’s visit was imperative as he prepares to lead another investment delegation to Cameroon in the nearest future.
Equipped with the incredible facilitation of H.E VOLKAN IŞIKÇI – Ambassador of the Republic of Türkiye to the Republic of Cameroon, Dr Şahin, who also doubles as the DEIK Coordinator for West Africa began his visit with a meeting with the Chamber of Agriculture, Fisheries, Livestock and Forests of Cameroon (CAPEF) where he was received by Mr. MINDJOS MOMENY Martin Paul, the President of CAPEF and his team. The President reminded the TCBC-DEIK President of the important historic ties that exists between Cameroon and Türkiye, the high and impressive investments carried out by Turkish firms in the construction, manufacturing, building materials and interior finishing imported for many constructions in Cameroon. He wasted no time to give an outlay of what CAPEF does and enumerated various ways through which TCBC-DEIK and CAPEF could immediately commence collaboration together for fruitful win-win results. These included investments in the areas of: Agropastoral Equipment, Fertilizers, Transformation of agricultural products into finished and semi-finished products and Technology and skill transfer.
On his next stop, Dr ŞAHIN was received by the Mr. Luc Magloire MBARGA ATANGANA – Minister of Trade who recognized and appreciated the impressive work and investments Türkiye has done in Cameroon in various sectors – some of which include the soccer stadium, office and residential high rises splashed all over Yaoundé and the cement factories in Douala and Kribi. With key Strategic investments discussed and previewed, Joint ventures, win-win business relationships, economic advancement and so much more are to be expected as a result of the Minister’s reassurance of support to Turkish investments in Cameroon.
Similarly, a meeting with Mr. Alamine OUSMAN MEY – Minister of Economy, Planning and Rural Development saw discussions held around priority areas of collaboration such as Energy production, Health, Timber and Public works.
Following a breakfast meeting with the President of the CTBC – Senator Nfon Ekoko Mukete during which both Presidents explored the business environment of Cameroon vis-à-vis projects the TCBC-DEIK President has carried out in other countries, he proceeded to the Ministry of External Relations where he was received by the Minister, Delegate to the Minister of External Relations in charge of relations with the Commonwealth – Mr Mbayu Felix who received with much satisfaction the plans Dr ŞAHIN has for Cameroon including the creation of industrial zones, furnishing the health sector with well-equipped hospitals and much more.
Prof Fuh Calistus Gentry – Minister of Mines, Industry and Technological Development later received Dr ŞAHIN and shared incentives available as concerns investments in the mining sector or in technological advancements.
A meeting with the Secretary General at the Ministry of Health – Prof. Louis Richard NDJOCK – gave Dr ŞAHIN – whose SILA Group boasts a wealth of experience in the health sector – the opportunity to present the work they have been doing over 15 years in over 7 countries around the world. From this meeting priority areas for collaboration were identified and the ball set rolling for increased investment for both countries.
The President’s delegation proceeded to meet with the Minister Delegate to the Presidency in charge of Defence of Cameroon with priority areas of investment key on discussions.
He was also met with Mr. Gaston ELOUNDOU ESSOMBA, Minister of Mines and Water Resources to discuss investments around alternative sources of renewable energy.
As a final stop on this business visit, Dr ŞAHIN proceeded to meet with Mr. Donatus BOMA the interim General Manager of the Investment Promotion Agency who play one of the most vital roles in the facilitation and proper management of foreign investors and investments.
Thanks to the efforts of H.E Victor TCHATCHOUWOU - Ambassador of the Republic of Cameroon to the Republic of Türkiye in initiating this visit, the support of Mr. Ngwa Nkwa AKONGWI - First Secretary and focal point for economic issues at the Cameroon Embassy in Ankara Türkiye- in leading this delegation to Cameroon and the on-the-ground coordination by CTBC's Executive Director - Mrs Etonde Marting Ndoping.
The next steps would be the return of Dr. Şahin to Cameroon with a delegation of investors matched with the needs shared by all key personalities visited during this initial mission.
In line with our main objective to advance the development of bilateral trade relations, trade and facilitate investments between the Republic of Cameroon and the Republic of Türkiye, the CTBC remains keen on developing and communicating key opportunities such as these for its members and thus is inviting all professionals and business people to #joinCTBC today.