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Head of the European Union Delegation to Cameroon, Philippe Van Damme, assesses the 6th year of implementation of the EPA in Cameroon.

The Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) is entering its 7th phase of the dismantling of tariff barriers in Cameroon. In a few words, what is the European side's assessment of this process? Is the EU satisfied with the process or not?

I don't think I am best placed to answer this question. It is rather up to the business operators to tell us. We have just finished a documentary on the first years of the EPAs, in which many business persons, both public and private, were interviewed. Their opinions show a high level of general satisfaction. To date, as the Director General of Customs pointed out, 707 businesses, importers or exporters have been able to take advantage of the benefits of the EPA, and this number is still on the increase.

At the PROMOTE trade fair last February, we noted, however, that there are still too many people who do not know or lack relevant information on the advantages of this economic partnership agreement. This is why we produced the documentary that could be broadcast on local TV channels in the near future. We have also produced a brochure that explains the contents of the agreement in detail and how to access it.

But we must continue to strengthen communication, particularly through the employers and the various umbrella associations, and even towards small and medium-sized enterprises.

We also note that despite the COVID-19 crisis and excluding the energy sector, which is too volatile, bilateral trade between Cameroon and the European Union continues to grow, in volume and value, but above all in added value, which means that Cameroon is increasingly exporting locally processed products to the EU, thus creating more and more decent and sustainable jobs. Excluding petroleum products, the EU remains by far Cameroon's most important trading partner, with a positive trade balance for Cameroon.

The EPA is much more than a simple free trade agreement. It is a partnership focused on the sustainable development of Cameroon, which is materialized through various programs to support regional economic integration and strengthen the competitiveness and resilience of Cameroon's manufacturing sector.

Source: ecomatin.net