Almost all African countries attended the first edition of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo held in Changsha last 27 to 29 June 2019. A key event which enabled China to showcase its several achievements in Africa, especially projects financed by Chinese funds and/or by Chinese companies. It was equally the occasion for participants to engage in partnerships for economic development or trade projects.

An important delegation from Cameroon attended the exposition and was led by the Minister of Trade, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana flanked by various officials among which top managers from public and private companies. The Port Authority of Kribi which was part of the delegation was represented by Patrice Melom, the General Manager, and two collaborators, namely Wilfried Michael Mama, Operations Manager and Marleine Minko, Head of PAK’s Representation in Yaounde.

Showcasing Cameroon

During the event, the Port of Kribi was a showcase of Cameroon as the facility was built by the Chinese company China Harbour and Engineering company (CHEC). The General Manager of PAK and his colloborators seized the opportunity to create new business relationships.

PAK took part in the exposition and conferences on the official programme, especially sessions on China-Africa cooperation dialogue on investment in four African countries (Ethiopia, Kenya, Zambia and Mozambique), the B2B for China-Africa economic and trade cooperation, as well as the conference on the development of the China-Africa economic and trade cooperation area.

Alongside the official programme, PAK attended other conferences and interacted with potential investors, in particular those with whom contacts have already been established in the past, among which logistics promoters and major industrial companies  planning to develop their activities in the Gulf of Guinea.

Increasing trade flows

As China is one of Cameroon’s major economic and trade partners, it was essential for the Port Authority of Kribi to attend the event. Being the sole deep-sea port in the country, PAK is the natural entry point of goods carried by deep-draught vessels. Its land reserve and simplified procedures are equally major assets for industrial companies with projects. As a result, PAK is positioned as an invaluable gateway for consolidation and/or deconsolidation of trade flows from and to China and should focus its future development on providing support and assistance to Chinese economic operators within its Port’s geographic domain. So, the wish of PAK is to be a source of proposals to the Government of Cameroon so as to enable a smooth implementation of of relevant tax and economic incentives that will provide room for the optimization of investment projects of Chinese partners. This participation was therefore positive for PAK which returned from the expo with mature investment opportunities to be finalized with Chinese partners. These will bring potential economic result and a huge opportunity in terms of employment. A detailed presentation of these opportunities and partnerships will be done in due time.