By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
The Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development (MINEPAT), Alamine Ousmane Mey, and the outgoing, Japan International Cooperation Agency JICA Resident Representative in Cameroon, Kageyama Tadashi, have discussed on how to further strengthen cooperation.
Minister Ousmane Mey granted audience to Kageyama Tadashi on January 19 in Yaoundé. The audience was also an opportunity to officially introduce the new Resident Representative of JICA, Okumoto Masakatsu.
During the hour-long discussion, Tadashi expressed gratitude to the Cameroonian authorities, particularly MINEPAT, for their collaboration and institutional support that facilitated JICA’s effective interventions in the country.
Tadashi described the meeting as productive, commending the strong partnership between JICA and Cameroon, which is founded on trust and a shared vision for sustainable development in alignment with national objectives outlined in the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30).
“I believe that JICA has contributed significantly to the Cameroonian economy by increasing rice and fish production,” Tadashi said. “I am confident my successor, Okumoto, will further reinforce the relationship between JICA and Cameroon as we continue to work together.”
He reaffirmed JICA’s commitment to supporting Cameroon as it pursues its development priorities under the new Resident Representative’s coordination.
The discussions also highlighted successful projects, particularly in the rice sector, infrastructure modernization, and the strengthening of agricultural and fisheries value chains, all contributing to food security, job creation, and local economic development.