Economic Diplomacy: The Dutch Ambassador Returns to the Port of Kribi
Economic Diplomacy: The Dutch Ambassador Returns to the Port of Kribi
A visit focused on economic impacts and cooperation prospects with the BENELUX zone
On Friday, October 28, 2022, Her Excellency Mrs. Catharina Geertuida M. Tjoelker-Kelve, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Cameroon, paid a working visit to the Port Authority of Kribi (PAK), marking the continuation of the economic dialogue initiated during the Cameroon Economic and Cultural Week held in May 2022 in The Hague.
Strengthening Trade Relations
Welcomed by the Deputy General Manager of PAK, the Ambassador and her hosts reviewed the positive outcomes of this mission. Trade between Cameroon and the BENELUX zone has recorded a 15% increase since May 2022. Projections for 2023 estimate growth of up to 25% in trade flows.
Port and Logistics Cooperation
The discussions also highlighted the framework agreement currently being finalized between the Port Authority of Kribi and the Port of Amsterdam, a strategic partnership aimed at strengthening port and logistics cooperation between the two countries. The Ambassador praised PAK’s efforts in enhancing operational performance and improving regional connectivity.
Cooperation in Action
The visit concluded at the Mboro port site, where the delegation met with SMIT LAMNALCO, a Dutch company specialized in towage and mooring operations at the Port of Kribi. This is a tangible example of the operational cooperation already underway between Cameroon and the Netherlands.
