Lorraine Anderson, High Commissioner of Canada to Cameroon
The Canadian High Commissioner's official residence in Yaounde hosted the first ever Canada Day celebration in Cameroon yesterday. The event commemorated Canada's 155th birthday and highlighted the close relationship between the two countries.
In her remarks, High Commissioner Lorraine Anderson emphasized Canada and Cameroon's shared values and 60 years of diplomatic ties. She noted Canada's commitment to poverty reduction and inclusive development through empowering women and girls in the country.
"As part of our work in Cameroon, Canada has launched a project with Plan Cameroon to empower youth, women, refugees and internationally displaced people to improve education, training and healthcare. We hope this prepares Cameroon's next generation for success," said Lorraine Anderson.
On business ties, the High Commissioner said Canada aims to foster partnerships that are mutually beneficial to both countries and strengthen the private sector. She pointed out that Cameroon has the second highest number of sub- Saharan students studying in Canada, with over 3,000 new students who began their education in 2022.
As to what concerns trade, Canada and Cameroon have a relatively modest trade relationship. Two-way merchandise trade totaled CAD$283 million in 2020, with Cameroon exporting mainly agricultural products and wood products to Canada and importing industrial machinery, vehicles, plastics and wood pulp from Canada. There is potential to expand trade in areas like agriculture, mining and infrastructure.
On private investment, Canadian companies have invested in sectors like mining, infrastructure, agriculture and banking in Cameroon. However, major challenges like limited power supply, underdeveloped capital markets and corruption constrain further private investment.
In addition to people-to-people ties through students and immigration, Canada cooperates with French-speaking organizations like La Francophonie in Cameroon. There are also a growing number of diaspora and cultural organizations linking the two countries.
Regarding political cooperation, Cameroon and Canada generally have good political relations, though Canada has at times expressed concerns about human rights and governance issues in Cameroon. Both countries cooperate as members of international organizations like the Commonwealth, the UN and IMF.
The High Commissioner expressed pride in representing Canada and working in Cameroon. She thanked partners like Hilton Hotel Yaounde and Blueberry Travels, as well as her staff, for helping organize the event.
"On this day of Canada's birthday, we will reinforce how we're working together in many areas - trade, development, investment. We are working together and it's a good time to celebrate these relationships," said High Commissioner Lorraine Anderson.
In summary, while Canada and Cameroon have positive cooperation in areas like development, education and culture, there are opportunities to significantly strengthen economic partnerships through initiatives to increase trade, investment and sustainable resource development.
Celebrations like the recent Canada Day event aim to build goodwill and highlight the potential for expanding the bilateral relationship.
Sa'ah Siona Ikei, The Post Newspaper
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