France hopes for better partnership with Cameroon

Red and white occupied a place among the foreign countries represented at the 5th fair of company of Yaoundé.

A beautiful scenario and maximum-security reigned yesterday at the France Pavilion for the official visit of Jean-Paul Bacquet, President of Ubifrance, Christine Robichon, Ambassador of France to Cameroon and Emmanuel Nganou, Minister of economy, planning and development of the territory (Minepat) who led the visit to the French stand.

Hundreds of French entities exposing their know-how at Promote 2014 had the pleasure to interact with officials. It was noted that several sectors are represented: building, public works, equipment and industrial tooling, plastics industry, communication, renewable energy, transportation, banks, cosmetics, spirits, food industry, etc. Housed in Hall 2 (H2), the France Pavilion extended over 1 200 m2. It was organized by Ubifrance, in charge of promoting the export of French SMEs.

After the tour, the president of Ubifrance and the Ambassador of France held a conference with the national and international press. Jean-Paul Bacquet noted that he regretted the fact that, "France is not the 1st economic partner of Cameroon.

"We will support it, but we console ourselves that there are some cultural and historic aspects in our relationship which will never disappear." He explained however that at the economic level, globalization has made that competitiveness with other partners necessary in Cameroon, with its injustices and France now has to win back Cameroon.

To do this, president of Ubifrance wished that French companies relocate and come to Cameroon to create jobs and foster development. “I did not really know the country by far but the impression I have from my stay in Yaounde is that France will always be welcome in Cameroon," he noted.

And for future partnerships, Jean-Paul Bacquet believed that they must start with the 'creation of road transportation and energy infrastructure'.