CCIMA: Departments present balance sheet

The industry, trade, craft and services provider sections of the Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Crafts, CCIMA during their 5th statutory meeting on December 16, disclosed their achievements, challenges and proposed solutions that will lead to competitiveness of Cameroonian industries in the national and international markets. High production cost, little or no subvention, and the inundation of markets with overseas products are some of the contributing factors for the low rate of competitiveness.

The industrial department of CCIMA, during the last meeting of the 2012-2015 mandate, discussed the impact of the cost of factors of production on industrial development in Cameroon. The Trade Department did an in-depth presentation on the impact and perspectives of electronic trade that is still at the preliminary level. Other important discussions centred on agriculture and agro-industries in Africa and voluntary insurance.

Toussaint Mboka Tongo, an expert in Trade and Development in Private sector opined that the creation of an engineering school in a country where cocoa is still imported to produce chocolate will go a long way to solve some of the problems in the industry sector. The President of Crafts department, Francis Bengofa Tchangou disclosed that craftsmen have social security and in case of incapacitation, they will have nothing to make ends meet. He disclosed that it is important for councils to collaborate with the numerous craftsmen of their municipalities since most council’s revenue comes from the informal sector. CCIMA President, Christophe Eken, during his tour of the various departments, congratulated them for a work well done. Resolutions to foster the activities of the Chamber will be drawn up during its 6th plenary assembly.