State visit to Rome, Italy:

Paul BIYA woos Italian investors, receives Gold Medal at Tor Vergata University

President Biya at Tor Vergata University

The third day of President Paul BIYA’s stay in Rome, was marked by two major activities: his presence at the Cameroon – Italy Economic Forum, at the CONFINDUSTRIA, and a visit to the University of Rome Tor Vergata.

                The Head of State was welcomed at the CONFINDUSTRIA headquarters by the President of this organisation of Italian companies, Vincenzo BOCCIA, at 10.30 am. He was led to the main hall where deliberations between Cameroonian and Italian investors were chaired by Licia MATTIOLI, International Vice-President of the CONFINDUSTRIA.

                The Italian entrepreneurs present at this forum, briefly presented their companies to the Cameroonian Head of State, and expressed their interest to invest in the agro-industrial sector, road infrastructure, mining, railway development, and the construction of dams.

                After listening attentively, President Paul BIYA said he was happy and proud to talk directly with the great Italian employers. He thanked and congratulated the Italian businessmen whose businesses are currently operational in Cameroon. He lauded their confidence, and invited others to join the bandwagon because Cameroon “is a stable country”. President Paul BIYA said: “It is rare to find a Government that lasts thirty years nowadays. This is the case of Cameroon.”

                The Head of State noted that Cameroon is an important economic destination with a huge potential that needs only be highlighted. He stressed the measures taken by the Government of Cameroon in recent years, under his leadership, to improve the business environment.

                President Paul BIYA reassured the foreign investors on the state of Cameroon’s economy. “It is a liberal economy. Investors can securely transfer their proceeds. If there are problems, we will solve them and together we will build a strong and effective partnership,” he explained.

Nearly 116,000 companies, representing 4,200,000 employees, are associated to the CONFINDUSTRIA, which was established in 1910.

                At the University of Rome Tor Vergata, the Presidential Couple were welcomed by Professor Gaetano MANFREDI, President of the Conference of Italian University Rectors (CRUI), and Giuseppe NOVELLI, Rector of the University of Rome Tor Vergata.

                The President of CRUI awarded a Gold Medal to President Paul BIYA during a solemn ceremony. This was in the presence of prominent members of the Italian academic community, the eight Rectors of the State Universities of Cameroon, students of the University of Rome Tor Vergata and other guests.

                In his speech, the Head of State expressed his gratitude for this distinction. He said the medal he received, was an honour to all Cameroonians. President Paul BIYA’s efforts to modernise the Cameroonian university system; in serenity, social harmony and the integration of all cultures, was highly appreciated.

                Thus the Cameroonian leader hailed the genius of Rome-born thinkers: artists, lawyers, architects, speakers and strategists, who have inspired the world for centuries. He paid tribute to the medieval scholars who founded the University of Boulogne in the 12th and 13th centuries, and set up a famous law faculty. He also welcomed the dynamic cooperation between Italy and Cameroon.

                Before receiving this great distinction, the many achievements of President Paul BIYA in the field of culture, education and research were presented by Professor Vittorio COLIZZI, Director of UNESCO Chair at the University of Rome Tor Vergata.

                The ceremony ended with the singing of the European Anthem performed by the “Glorious Voices” Choir of the University of Yaounde I.