(Business in Cameroon) - In the margins of a press conference held at the International Business, SME and Partnership Fair in Yaoundé, the President of UBI France reveals France’s strategy for development in Cameroon in the years to come.

Your first stay in Cameroon coincides with the largest International Business Fair in Cameroon. Is this really a coincidence or was this deliberate to nudge the French companies here?

It’s quite simple. Firstly, UBI France’s strategy is to be everywhere. The French Foreign Affairs Minister, who has added the concept of economic diplomacy to his mission, decided to make Sub-Saharan Africa a priority. We have opened a number of agencies in Sub-Saharan Africa and we have missions in a number of countries. Our attendance at the fair isn’t a stroke of chance.

We are stronger at the fair. This was the case at previous fairs. When you think about the fact that a hundred French companies are here, it’s immense. Today, we are looking for partnership. We want to find new partnerships. We want this country to develop.

The President of the Republic of Cameroon has embarked on a major project that will involve large public works. How do you intend to support Cameroon with these projects?

As I said earlier, infrastructure is our priority. You are familiar with the problems arising at the Port of Douala. Let us build the infrastructure needed to address these needs and facilitate trade in this country.

But when you talk about infrastructure, you have to talk about roads and, further along, railway. You have to talk about telecommunications and, naturally, water, sanitation etc. Basically, we’re talking about infrastructure that will modernise the country and ensure the country has what it needs to develop more easily.

With the arrival of China, Turkey and some other countries like Brazil, what plan will France adopt to maintain its position as a priority partner for Cameroon’s development?

We are in globalisation with an open global economy. France can’t be protectionist with its markets. France stands to even lose one if its markets. Therefore, France has to be competitive, perhaps more aggressive on some markets. It especially has to be more in contact with the countries where it goes. 

What do you mean by more in contact?

Let me explain. By being more familiar with market potential, it will better placed to respond to calls for tenders. In these conditions, it isn’t always the one who says the least who wins. It can also be the one who says it the best. France’s goal is to be the best at saying it.

Interview by Frégist Bertrand