By Ndumbe Bell Joseph Gaston in Douala
The Second International Trade Forum was organised by Access Bank recently in Douala, the economic capital of the Republic of Cameroon. The main focus of the forum was to spark deeper interest in international trade as coined in the theme: “Boosting Trade in Africa” with the intention of underscoring trade links within the framework of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA/ZLECAF) and to highlight the potential implications of the agreement, the challenges and how it could harness sustainable development through the creation of infrastructural, transport, digital, taxation systems and more.
The Managing Director of Access Bank, Ellis Nzo Asu who moderated the deliberations ensured that customers were updated on foreign exchange implications and regulations on financing African trade with a commitment of strengthening the ecosystem of its customers through value chain management, treasury growth and the application of digital services. Aside from expressing gratitude to the support of his customers in this relative short span of Access’s operations in Cameroon, the MD also highlighted the bank’s global existence as an additional yardstick to inspire growth and success of the growing customer base.
Various senior officials also took turns to present the various assets and services of the bank and to deepen understanding of their participants.
To name a few, Emilia Agbor Nyenty, the Trade Manager explained the objectives of the forum, and later presented what is called the “Premium Risk”, innovated to quicken transactions for major customers, CEMAC foreign exchange regulations, and the bank’s wholesale and value chain solutions.
Access Bank’s achievements of the U.K Access Bank Limited in 2023 were presented by Julie Soyinka, Deputy Director of Commercial Corporate Clients while Justin Maria, Director of the Paris branch of Access Bank U.K Limited discussed their services. Presentations were equally made by other senior officials of the bank.
All through, Access Bank expressed their commitment to foster “excellence in international trade and financial services delivery through their global presence. They are also on course to empower SMEs, women business, actresses and young entrepreneurs.
Access bank was approved by the Cameroon government on February 23, 2022 and officially began duties on May 23, 2022.