The meeting between the Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises Social Economy and Handicrafts and the President of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux Gironde in France was an occasion for both parties to acquaint themselves. It was also the occasion for the President of the above mentioned Chamber, Mr. Patrick SEGUIN to present a project on the Consular Cooperation Workshop to take place in Bordeaux from the 23rd to the 25th of November 2022 as well as carry out exchanges mutually beneficial to Cameroonian and French SMEs.
Speaking during the meeting, Mr. Patrick SEGUIN reiterated the fact that the participation of Cameroonian stakeholders alongside Cameroonian SMEs is a plus to the French SME ecosystem given that France also have so much to learn from some Cameroonian SMEs who possess more competitive advantage. The President also mentioned that his current mission in Cameroon is aimed at advocating the creation of a giant business school pertaining to the Bordeaux chamber of commerce. Worthy to note that this school will serve as a training ground for future entrepreneurs. The President further recalled that preparations are ahead for the Africa-France Summit whose previous edition had been suspended due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. To this effect, the President indulged Minister Achille BASSILEKIN III to ensure that Cameroonian SMEs and stakeholders participate in this summit.
Minister Achille BASSILEKIN III on his part affirmed the participation of Cameroonian SMEs and stakeholders to both the Consular Cooperation Workshop and the upcoming Africa-France Summit. He further explained that these SMEs were already in the preparation phase for the Africa-France Summit before the interruption of the COVID-19 pandemic. Nonetheless he reassured Mr. Patrick SEGUIN that preparations ahead of the Summit will be reactivated and all necessary dispositions put in place to ensure Cameroon’s effective participation.To the Minister, the workshop and upcoming Summit is an efficient platform and opportunity that will open more partnerships and widen the knowledge scope of Cameroonian SMEs that will further aid in ameliorating the Cameroonian SME ecosystem. Minister Achille BASSILEKIN III remained enthusiastic that after the workshop and the Africa-France Summit, Cameroonian will have many opportunities to rip from. In terms of perspectives, the Minister remained optimistic that the knowledge acquired will be exploited for the betterment of Cameroonian SMEs and that of consumers alike.
It is important to note that the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux Gironde in France is a public establishment managed by business leaders with the vocation of serving the enterprises, representing and developing the economy. The Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Bordeaux Gironde in France has being maintaining a close collaboration with the Ministry of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, and the Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (APME) since June 2021 during, the preparation of the Africa-France Summit.