The CNSC North Regional Office participated in the inauguration of the MINPMESSA North Regional Delegation under the distinguished patronage of H.E. Achille Bassilekin III, Minister of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises, Social Economy and Handicrafts, which took place on 12 August at the esplanade of the SMEs Regional delegation. The ceremony was followed by the launch of the very first edition of the region’s SMEs cooperative market, set up by the North Regional Network for Social and Solidarity Economy, under the theme “Social and Solidarity Economy Networks: Vectors for the Development of Regional and Local Authorities”.

        As a faithful partner to SMEs, the CNSC was present to further gain visibility and inform invited business persons about its missions.

          The Minister, in his inaugural address marking the first phase of the event, began by stating that the new building has as goal to bring his collaborators closer to SMEs so they can receive support in a more decent and friendly environment.

          During the 2nd phase of this landmark event, the Minister lauded the initiative of the Region’s SMEs to set up a cooperative market, which is an expression of their determination to create value using local initiatives. He also announced the rehabilitation of the Garoua Handicrafts Village, which is a centre for the exhibition of the products of local entrepreneurship. The objective, he said, is to make it a showcase platform for business persons of the North Region. He equally underscored that out of the ten regions that make up Cameroon, the North Region stands out in SME networking and organisation.

            Lastly, during the tour of the cooperative market, the Minister made a stop at the stand jointly occupied by the Cameroon National Shippers’ Council (CNSC), the SME Promotion Agency and the Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Crafts (CCIMA) to encourage these institutions, urging them to spare no effort in providing technical support, training and accompanying production units, as enshrined in the NDS30, for business persons of the North Region.

CNSC’s participation in both major events was necessary because the SMEs of the region have very little knowledge of the existing support organisations. Moreover, this participation enabled the CNSC to stamp its presence in the North Region where it is gradually taking root.