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The Deputy Minister of Trade and Industry, Ms Elizabeth Thabethe together with a South African delegation comprising of businesspeople from various sectors of the economy met with the Cameroonian business community at a Trade and Investment Seminar at the Hilton Hotel in Yaoundé, Cameroon yesterday, with the aim of deepening economic cooperation and stimulating trade and investment among the two countries

During her keynote address, Deputy Minister Thabethe said that she believed South Africa had made conditions conducive for doing business with other countries.

“It is upon you the business community of Cameroon to take advantage of the opportunities that have been presented to you on the South African economy today and make use of them. Our similarities bring us closer and it is upon you to use them to your advantage. Share knowledge and insight into the economic landscape of both your countries and make use of the business-to-business sessions and network as much as you can and enlighten the others on conditions that exist in your countries,” she said.

Thabethe added that many people were talking about investing in Africa and said she believed it is up to Africans to use the keen interest shown by the world to Africa to their advantage.

“Even the issues of food security that make world headlines, we can overcome them with the cooperation and partnerships that are going to be established here. Our agriculture is more of a seasonal nature whereas here in Cameroon crops grow throughout the year. I do not see why we cannot export crops from here. As an indication that this union has already started to reap rewards, it is my pleasure to announce that MTN, our telecommunications service provider has a footprint in Cameroon. Numerous Cameroonian businesses have been established in South Africa, particularly in the hospitality industry,’ she said.

Deputy Minister Thabethe and the business delegation will proceed to Gabon from Cameroon as part of her mission to enhance and strengthen South African’s economic ties and bilateral trade with African countries.