In an address to sponsor members, friends and members of the press President of Beneficial  Insurance Group and owner of former Immeuble SOCAR, Eddie Brown welcomed those present for the groundbreaking that represented an important day for AmCham Cameroon.  The program was simple and straightforward as sponsor members looked on with pride at what their extra contribution has allowed AmCham to accomplish. This giant leap to increase organizational capacity came from a board recommendation during the strategic planning session in Kribi.

This is what the chairman had to say: “Yesterday was the anniversary of America’s assumption of independence. But the spirit of Independence Day is not only about America officially becoming a nation. It’s about celebrating the values the country was founded upon. We are officially becoming a Chamber. And in order for this to be a sustainable chamber we must embody those values our country was built on.  That is why we are here today.

The AmCham, formerly known as the ABA (American Business Association) has been bringing together the business community in Douala, the nation’s economic capital, and in Yaoundé the nation’s capital for more than 25 years. AmCham is a non-profit English speaking organization with objectives to Strengthen ties with the international private sector by promoting contacts with businesses in the USA so as to encourage investments in Cameroon. Informing and updating members on Cameroon’s economic development and industrialization process. Providing a platform for discussion and networking for top managers from major companies in Cameroon with managers and professionals from the United States.

Our membership is open to all Cameroonian and foreign legal entities, international organizations, governmental services and embassies interested in furthering our objectives. Our members represent many sectors; banking, insurance, logistics, mining, energy and many others. Our members represent many nationalities. We are a melting pot wherein all men are created equal. Our unique culture and values are a source of significant advantage. They reassure members in a climate where trust and ethics have taken center stage as critical underpinnings of doing good business. We want to create more confidence with our members who have always been our first important priority

So we’re focused on bringing in American companies who value good business and who are looking to penetrate this market. Our mission is to be at the center of business flow in the USA /Cameroon corridor. Our vision is to be the reference as the premier organization that supports and defends good business practices in Cameroon and in this region.

Opening this office sends a message that we are committed, we are serious and we are on the move. We’re at a powerful vantage point. And we can leverage this within this office, centrally located and well equipped with a sign on the door that reads American Chamber of Commerce. Those words stand for something. They stand for accountability, integrity, and efficiency.

With my Board of Directors, Executive Director and US Embassy support, we are now a beacon of capitalistic possibility. Here’s a toast to building strong bonds of friendship with all those present today and to setting the gold standard of bi-lateral trade relations for future generations…. “ Ambassador Jackson’s remarks centered on increased trade exports from America to Cameroon. And the moment came that made it official, on a five count backwards, 5, 4,3,2,1, the ribbon was cut and on this day, July5, 2012 the office of the AmCham was inaugurated by H.E. Ambassador Robert Jackson and chairman Eddie Ford Brown. The program ended with a cocktail, self-guided tour, photos and interviews with the press.