The economic situation in the CEMAC Sub Region was top on the agenda in the audience between Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey, Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development of Cameroon and the Chadian President, Mahamat Iddris Deby Itno.
The Minister was received in audience by the Chadian President at the Presidential Palace on July 22, 2021.
Minister Alamine Ousmane Mey, was carrier of a sealed message from the President of the Republic, Paul Biya.
Speaking after the audience, the Minister revealed that focus of their discussion was on the economic situation in the entire CEMAC Sun Region.
“In 2016, CEMAC Presidents took some 17 resolutions to ease economic growth within the sub region, in 2019, they met again and result of the evaluation was that progress has been made, but unfortunately, the Covid-19 pandemic came up and made things difficult. Cameroon has however taken strict measures to contain the pandemic and results are positive” Alamine Ousmane said.
Despite the difficult economic situation affecting countries of the region, Cameroon and Chad have succeeded to stand the test of time.
When former Chadian President, Idriss Deby Itno, died, many thought that it would greatly affect economic activities between both countries, since the border was temporally closed.
But president Paul Biya did all not only to reopen the border but to ensure security around it.
Goods mostly enter Chad through Cameroon. A lot of Chadian student are studying in Cameroon and are living with their Cameroonian counterparts in peace.
It is true that the Covid-19 pandemic has come and slowed down economic activities, but the two countries (Cameroon/Chad) are envisaging sustainable solutions by creating new avenues or encouraging the implementation of the 17 resolutions taken in 2016.
Just to note that the CEMAC leaders amongst others agreed on the need to remove all barriers to the free movement of services, people and goods within CEMAC countries and to diversify their economies and consequently improve upon the livelihood of citizens of member countries.
