19 September 2006
The Minister of Trade and Industry, Mr Mandisi Mpahlwa, will lead a
30-member high-level multi-sectoral trade and investment mission to the
Republic of Cameroon from 20 - 23 September 2006. It is his first visit to the
Cameroon in his current portfolio, and is aimed at strengthening economic
relations between the two countries.
Cameroon is strategically situated in Western Central Africa, and is a hub
in the Central African region with the main port in Douala providing trade and
logistical services to landlocked Chad and the Central African Republic. The
economy is relatively diversified and the country has an endowment of natural
resources such as oil, natural gas, bauxite, iron ore, timber and hydropower,
while the services, agricultural and manufacturing sectors are the backbone of
the economy.
South Africa and Cameroon established diplomatic relations on 29 April 2004,
and trade relations between the two countries are cordial. Despite the lack of
formal trade arrangements between the two countries, South African exports to
Cameroon reached R232,6 million in 2005, while Cameroon's exports to South
Africa only amounted to R17,9 million during the same period.
South Africa does not have a significant business presence in Cameroon, with
the exception of MTN, Comazar, Nedbank Capital, Global Outdoor Systems, Rand
Merchant Bank, Siemens and Yekani Investment Holdings that have already
invested or are involved in business activities in Cameroon.
It is envisaged that the visit will help to unlock opportunities and create
a platform for business exchange between the two countries through signing,
enabling agreements that would serve as a catalyst for strengthening trade and
investment relations, as well as broaden economic co-operation between the two
countries.
The Minister will also address a gathering of 200 businesspersons under the
auspices of the South Africa-Cameroon Business Networking Forum and hold
several consultative meetings with the Ministers of Commerce, the Small and
Medium-Sized Enterprises, Finance and the Economy, External Relations and
Regional Co-operation, Industry, Mines and Technological Development as well as
pay a courtesy visit to the Prime Minister of the Cameroon, Mr Ephraim
Inoni.
Please address all your media enquiries to:
Email: mediarelations@thedti.gov.za
Henriette van der Merwe
Tel: (012) 394 1640
Cell: 082 572 8184
Bongani Lukhele
Tel: (012) 394 1643
Cell: 083 291 8689
Bethuel Mnguni
Tel: (012) 394 1647
Cell: 083 624 8888
Donavan Jacobs
Tel: (012) 394 1641
Cell: 082 751 1078
Issued by: Department of Trade and Industry
19 September 2006
