Stating that they act with the understanding of contributing to the development of Africa and the improvement of the conditions and welfare of the African people, Bolat said, "We increased the number of diplomatic missions of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs from 12 to 50. As the Ministry of Commerce, we increased the number of our trade offices from 4 to 27 23 years ago." he said.
Bolat talked about the increase in foreign trade between Turkey and Africa in the last 23 years and said that Turkish contractors have undertaken 2 thousand 118 projects in the African continent with a total commitment amount of approximately 105 billion dollars to date.
"WE SHOULD INCREASE MUTUAL TRADE BY JOINING OUR FORCES"
Referring to the foreign trade volume between Türkiye and Cameroon, Minister Bolat continued his words as follows:
"Our trade volume with sister country Cameroon increased to 542 million dollars last year. This was followed by construction activities worth 1 billion 170 dollars with 28 projects in the contracting sector. Turkish and Cameroonian companies carry out mutual trade and investment relations. At this point, Turkish Airlines also flies to Cameroon regularly. We have come to an agreement with my esteemed minister brother (Cameroonian Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development Alamine Ousmane Mey). In order to increase investments as soon as possible, double taxation will be eliminated." "We agreed to negotiate and sign the prevention agreement. We agreed to continue the projects and implement new projects. Türkiye and Cameroon should join forces and increase mutual trade."
Pointing out that there is significant cooperation potential in the fields of tourism, health services, investments, agriculture, manufacturing, contracting and renewable energy, Bolat invited Cameroonian and Turkish business people to benefit from these opportunities and invest in these sectors.
"OUR FOREIGN TRADE VOLUME CAN INCREASE MUCH HIGHER LEVELS"
Cameroon's Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Alamine Ousmane Mey, also touched upon the economic relations between the two countries and said, "Our foreign trade volume reached 542 million dollars. The level of foreign trade between our countries definitely does not reflect the potential. It can reach much higher levels." he said.
Stating that the managers of the Turkish companies participating in the meeting operate in the fields of manufacturing, trade, agriculture and contracting in Cameroon, Mey thanked the representatives of the companies for their investments in Cameroon.
Mey said that Turkish companies have undertaken 27 important projects in Cameroon and reminded that the Douala Japoma Stadium, which is the largest stadium in the country, was built by a Turkish company.
Stating that the trade volume between the two countries can easily be doubled, Mey explained that there are important opportunities in the agriculture, energy, services and health sectors.
Mey touched upon the importance of the services provided by the Turkish Maarif Foundation in the field of education in Cameroon and stated that the support provided on the humanitarian aid side and the work carried out by the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency (TIKA) are very valuable.
The second part of the meeting, where business world representatives from both countries were present, continued with the participation of Deputy Minister of Trade Özgür Volkan Ağar.
