More than two personalities, it was two brothers and friends who met to exchange on the perfect collaboration maintained for several years. The farewell audience to the Tunisian Ambassador to Cameroon, purpose of this meeting, took place on the 13 July 2020 at the office of the Minister of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, Achille Bassilekin III. Before leaving Cameroon, H.E. Jalel Snoussi thanked the Minister and reiterated his permanent and unfailing support. “Even back in Tunisia, I will continue to defend, evenunofficially, the interests of Cameroon each time it will be needed,” here assured. As issues on the top of agenda, the Ambassador pointed out the bilateral cooperation agreements signed as well as the prospects of the said agreements.
In the SME sector, their collaboration has favoured the setting up of structures likely to support the formalisation of enterprises, such as the Enterprises Creation Procedures Centre (CFCE). In addition, several visits of Cameroonian businessmen to Tunisia and Tunisian businessmen to Cameroon have favoured B to B meetings between SMEs of brotherly countries.
As far as handicrafts is concerned, it should be noted, among others, the participation of Cameroonian and Tunisian crafts people in various fairs and exhibitions since 2010, the establishment of a unit of the Centre Technique Industriel du Bois et de l’Ameublement (CETIBA) of Tunisia at the Practical School of Agriculture in Binguela, the signing of partnership agreements to promote the organisation of major events.
Regarding the actions carried out within the framework of this cooperation made of significant strides, Cameroon benefitted from the Tunisian experience and the economic promoters of both countries identified business opportunities and shared their experiences. According to the Minister of SMEs, “the development of Tunisia is based on SMEs. This brotherly and friendly country therefore remains a source of inspiration”. The Minister also welcomed the existence of a Specialized Committee in charge of promoting cooperation between the SMEs of the two States.
In mentioning the various projects that have been initiated and which should be the subject of more in-depth discussions during the 11th session of the Great Joint Commission in October 2020, the Minister expressed the wish to see them completed. He also counts on the role of “unofficial spokesman” of H.E. Jalel Snoussi to the Tunisian authorities to continue the development and intensification of cooperation ties between Cameroon and Tunisia. The Ambassador, on his part, is convinced that his successor will further boost this collaboration. While saying goodbye to his guest, the Minister of SMEs offered him a gift from the Cameroonian handicrafts. He also reiterated the invitation of Tunisia to the International Handicraft Exhibition of Cameroon (SIARC), scheduled from 27 November to 6 December 2020 at the National Museum of Yaounde.