TDA PROVIDES GRANTS FOR TWO CAMEROON BEVERAGE PACKAGE PROJECTS

DOUALA, CAMEROON (August 31, 2001) – U.S. Ambassador to Cameroon John Yates signed two grant agreements on behalf of the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (TDA) with two Cameroonian project sponsors – Codilait S.A. and Camlait S.A. – for a combined $345,000 in feasibility studies to examine beverage package line expansion projects for each company.

Codilait S.A. is a producer of canned sweetened condensed milk in Cameroon, serving markets in all of Central Africa.  Codilait would like to replace its manual can production line with an automated line as part of its efforts to produce cans for milk operations, as well as to supply cans for Cameroon’s growing market for canned juices, fruits and vegetables.

Camlait S.A. also handles a large and modern milk production facility, producing plain and flavored yogurts.  Camlait seeks to expand their product line to milk, chocolate milk, soy milk and fruit juices targeted for export to Central African nations. As part of these efforts, Camlait intends to further develop its packaging facilities, including the introduction of a plastic container production line.

Each company will receive a $172,500 grant from TDA to fund a feasibility study to be conducted by a competitively-selected U.S. consulting firm that will help the company define the technical, economic and financial strategies to implement its project.  These grants are representative of TDA’s continuing efforts to target agribusiness and food processing projects in Africa.  African countries seeking to develop export industries have highlighted agribusiness projects as development priorities, and TDA is eager to support U.S. firms attempting to partner in this development. 

The U.S. Trade and Development Agency promotes American private sector participation by helping U.S. companies pursue business opportunities in developing and middle income countries.  Through the funding of feasibility studies, orientation visits, specialized training grants, business workshops, and various forms of technical assistance, we help American businesses compete for infrastructure projects in emerging markets. In addition, the agency promotes capacity building initiatives and supports U.S. government trade, economic policy and development objectives around the world. 

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