Yesterday’s State Diner crowned the first day of the three-day visit to Cameroon of the IMF Director General.
The State Diner President Biya and wife, Chantal Biya offered the visiting Director General of the International Monetary Fund, Christine Lagarde, last evening at the Unity Palace was occasion to crystallise the long standing relation between Cameroon and the IMF. As confirmed by the toasts of the Head of State and that of the IMF Director General there is common concern in ensuring that Cameroon achieves economic growth that is both substantial and sustainable.
President Biya was particularly satisfied and appreciative of the IMF that has always stood by his country in times of difficulties, the situation which according to Christine Lagarde would have even been worse had the IMF and Cameroon not worked together. Cameroon, President Biya said, has maintained an appreciable level of growth despite all the odds. Now, he said, is time to work towards improving the situation and achieving better economic growth. He equally expressed the hope that the international community adapts to today’s exigencies, for, the World economy is linked to a community with a common destiny.
To the IMF boss, Cameroon’s development and growth ought to pass through three major options: regional integration, infrastructure development and good business climate. She advised that Cameroon chooses projects that have added value and execute them right to the end rather than embrace several projects that end up not seeing the light of day. Christine Lagarde was especially appreciative of the advanced state of the Kribi Deep Seaport and the Lom Pangar Hydroelectric reservoir projects.
As far as the business climate is concerned, she advised that there should be what she describes as shift of attitude and approach towards those that are friendly to investment. In that light, she committed her organisation’s availability in providing continuous technical assistance to Cameroon’s development programmes. Equally present at the ceremony which was animated by the Presidential Guards’ band were some members of the national and international corps as well as those in the Director General’s delegation.
