AFRICAN TRADE DELEGATION TO COMMUNE WITH US INVESTORS

By Yemti Harry Ndienla

The U.S. Embassy in Yaounde, Cameroon will lead a delegation of about 60 top African business executives and entrepreneurs to Chicago for a trade mission and business forum. The event which is expected to take place from November 10 to 13, 2008, is being organized by the said Embassy through US trade related agencies in collaboration with Makuna International (MI), Chicago Midwest; African business executives and entrepreneurs; and U.S. company representatives.

A joint press release issued by the organizers called on US companies to meet with members of the delegation who represent various sectors including farm equipment and supplies, prefab housing, restaurant/hotel supplies and equipment, agro commodities, road construction equipment, communications and internet technology, computer and computer supplies, cosmetics, grocery supplies, movie and audio production, industrial supplies, drugs and hospital supplies, food and drink processing equipment, insurance, baking equipment and supplies, petroleum, shipping vessels, freight forwarding, coffee, cocoa, ethnic Foods, animal feed technology and supplies, tropical woods and more.

“Significant discussions regarding the project to build 5500 homes in Cameroon will take place during the forum. A vendor conference for the project will take place and US companies offering goods and services in the housing sector – construction equipment, finishing, materials, water and sewage treatment, appliances, doors, windows, furnishings, plumbing, electrical systems, internet delivery, road construction, security, etc., - are invited to the vendor conference,” notes the same release, “Organs of the US government that support international trade will present information about their services during the forum. Investment firms, banks that provide international trade loans, and representatives from freight related companies are also invited to meet with the delegation”.

In course of the forum final preparations will be made by US companies to attend the largest business expo in the West Central African Region better known by its French language acronym PROMOTE. Promote 2008 which is expected to take place in Yaounde, Cameroon, from December 6 to 14, 2008 is an event that brings together about 1,500 companies from over 50 different countries around the world.

Beside giving a unique opportunity for US companies that want to reach and explore new markets to expand their product into the West Central African region, including the oil and gas rich Gulf of Guinea, the forum equally provides an opportunity for partnership and agent discussions.

It should be noted here that Cameroon is the largest economy in the Central African sub region and has vast mineral wealth including petroleum and natural gas. Cameroon is also a top coffee and cocoa producer, among other commodities.
Though attendance to this event is free for US companies those interested are expected to contact MI who will schedule one-on-one meetings between the trade delegation and US companies. A handful of US companies will have the opportunity to give presentations on their company and products to the entire delegation. US companies can also appear in the forum brochure by providing a half page company profile and a picture of the representative who will attend the forum.
The release concludes: “This event is part of efforts by US embassies around the world to increase US Exports. It is also an important part of the commitment of US Embassies worldwide, which is to support the private sector development in local communities”.