Cameroon eyes strategic partnership with South Korean industrialist

In a proactive effort to open new avenues for Cameroonian cocoa through direct trade channels, Minister of Trade Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana sent letters in November 2024 to several global chocolate industry leaders, including South Korea’s Dr Hae-Jung Jung.

Dr Jung recently responded with a working visit to Cameroon, culminating in a meeting on June 5, 2026 at the minister’s office. In reply to the minister’s push to promote Cameroonian cocoa beans on international markets—especially emerging ones—Dr Jung exceeded expectations by announcing that his company, which operates in several countries including China, could purchase half of Cameroon’s 300,000-ton annual production. Advanced laboratory tests confirmed the high quality of Cameroonian cocoa, validating Dr Jung’s trip.

Beyond cocoa, Dr Jung expressed a desire to help structurally transform Cameroon’s economy through major investments. He is seeking 100-hectare plots per site to establish industrial parks leveraging South Korean high technology, similar to initiatives he has undertaken in Nigeria, Ghana, Angola, and Guinea. Initial projects include relocating a factory that produces melamine and porcelain tableware and kitchen utensils. Dr Jung also showed interest in social sector investments, particularly healthcare. His engagement with Cameroon aligns with a proven pan-African strategy.

The Minister of Trade thanked his guest for this promising visit, which could bolster the import-substitution policy championed by President Paul Biya. He underscored Cameroon’s strengths: institutional stability, abundant natural resources, and a dynamic, youthful population. Both sides agreed to move quickly to realize these projects. Dr Jung’s strong credentials, international track record, and sincere approach—after more than a year of reflection since the minister’s invitation—open serious prospects for significant investments in Cameroon’s economy.