German diplomat explores investment opportunities

The new Ambassador of Germany to Cameroon, His Excellency Holger Mahnicke, has told the Minister of Transport, Prof Robert Nkili, as well of that of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, that he is committed to fostering cooperation between his country and Cameroon at any level with emphasis on economic development. H.E Holger was speaking to pressmen on August 19, 2015 after separate discussions with both cabinet ministers.

He said he has been in Cameroon only for four weeks and was discovering the country and its investment opportunities that could incite the business community as well as his country. H.E Holger recognises the potential offered private businesses in Germany and pledges to convince more business persons to take opportunities in Cameroon. He acknowledged that it was a difficult task given that the press in his country portrays Africa as a continent full of crisis.

He revealed that insurgency in the Far North Region by the Islamic State of West Africa (defunct Boko Haram) was frightening to potential investors. Notwithstanding, the German diplomat is ready to advocate for a change of opinion. “We would like to focus more on the African continent as that which offers a lot of opportunities,” he noted.

Cooperation between both countries is good with Holger Mahnicke citing the Goethe Institute and the German Technical Institute as clear indications of Germany being a “natural partner of Cameroon”. He announced that possibilities were high to have a high-level meeting with focus on economic issues in November this year in Germany.

Transport Minister Robert Nkili and Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi debriefed his august guest on the country’s potential in the sector. The two State’s men told their guests that 2035 was fixed as a year of Cameroon’s emergence and government was opened to partnering with friendly countries.

During both audiences, Holger Mahnicke reiterated the need for the two countries to foster economic and commercial relations. “This is something we are going to work on very closely with all ministries concerned,” he stated.