Government encourages local production

The government of Cameroon through the special Adviser to the Prime Minister, Professor Touna Mama has assured local producers of government`s intend to ensure transfer of technology and the transformation of local products.

He was speaking during a field trip to an Italian chocolate firm, CORON, in a neighbourhood in Yaounde.

During the visit, Professor Touna Mama reiterated the support and encouragement to foreign firms engaged in the transformation of local materials to consumable products and the transfer of technology.

He was accompanied by the Minister of Mines, Industries and Technological Development Emmanuel Bonde and the Italian Ambassador to Cameroon Her Excellency Samuella Isopa.

It was an opportunity for the Minister and Professor Touna Mama to discover and plead with the Italian firm to assist local producers and Cameroonians in the transfer of technology.

The Minister on his part said it is important for the Cameroonians to benefit from the new firm through internships that will help boost local production and consumption.

This visit comes at the time when government is valorising third generation agriculture and ensuring the professionalization of higher education in the country.

The Italian Ambassador reaffirmed her country`s support to valorise agriculture in Cameroon, an idea she believed will help see Cameroon through her vision 2035.

She also announced Italy`s intend to host 142 countries later this year on a food-food security and quality, energy for life and feeding the planet international conference.

It worth noting that the firm is ranked fourth confectionary in the world and employs more than 255 Cameroonians.

Even though the firm has challenges due to delays at the Douala port due to congestion, the Minister said it is government’s priority to decongest the Douala port as to facilitate trade and ease exports and imports.