Cameroon WT/TPR/S/87
Page 49
IV. TRADE POLICIES BY SECTOR
(1) INTRODUCTION
1. Agriculture and forestry remain the leading sectors in Cameroon, accounting for some 36% of
merchandise exports and for more than 40% of GDP in 1998/99 up from 38.7% in 1993/94
(Chart V.1).  The agriculture sector has undergone thorough reforms since 1994: quantitative
restrictions on imports and exports were removed and most parastatals were scrapped.  Nevertheless,this has not yet been translated into an increa se in export competitiveness, mainly due to low
productivity in semi-subsistence farming and poor infrastructure.  The forestry sector has also
undergone some reforms; however, export restrictions and taxes still apply to forestry products.
Export taxes on other agricultural products have been removed recently.  The thrust of policy
continues to be to encourage transformation activities in the country;  hence, the development of anagri-industry in Cameroon.  However, the industry is faced with competitiveness problems.
Chart IV.1
GDP by sector, 1993/94-1998/99
US$ million
1993/94 1998/99
Agriculture a
38.7
Mining
9.2
Manufacturing
9.7Electricity, gas 
and water
1.7Housing and 
public works
2.4Services
36.1Indirect taxes
2.2
Agriculture a
42.3
Mining
3.9Manufacturing
10.6Electricity, gas 
and water
1.5Housing and 
public works
3.7Services
35.2Indirect taxes
2.8
a
Source:Includes food crops, cash crops, livestock, hunting, fishing and forestry.
Cameroonian authorities; and IMF (2000e ), IMF Sta ff Countr y ReportNo. 00/81, Washin gton D.C., Jul y.
2. The oil sector continues to be a key activity in Cameroon.  Other available mineral deposits
remain largely unexploited;  most mining activities are still conducted on an artisanal scale; the
mining sector contracted between 1993/94 and 1998/ 99 (Chart IV.1).  In order to promote investment
in this sector, a new mining code is to be adopted with the aim of reducing the State's involvement aswell as its discretionary power.WT/TPR/S/87 Trade Policy Review
Page 50
3. In terms of its contribution to GDP, the services sector is the second most important in the
economy.  The sector's performance has been poor and the lack of efficiency has imposed a constraint
on the development of other sectors.  Thus, some services have undergone restructuring, including
privatization and the adoption of new regulatory framework, with the objective of attracting additional
operators so as to improve quality and provision of services.
4. The Government's divestiture programme is expected to continue, and will focus on
consolidating and deepening reforms in the agri-industry, public utilities, transport, petroleum, and
financial sectors, with a view to stimulating priv ate investment, enhancing competition and efficiency,
and lowering costs.  In addition, under the fr amework of CEMAC, sectoral policies are to be
coordinated between Member States, and common policies are to be adopted in the major sectors.
(2) AGRICULTURE AND FORESTRY
(i) Agriculture
(a) Economic background
5. Agriculture accounts for more than 30% of GDP and provides employment for about 68% of
the active population.1  The sector has been performing relatively well over the past years, with an
average annual growth rate of 4.6% in 1998 and 1999.  Agricultural exports accounted for some 23%of total exports in 1998/99.  Cameroon's major agricultural exports are cocoa, coffee, and cotton
(Table I.5).  Other exports of lesser importance include bananas, hevea (rubber tree), palm oil, and
tobacco.  Timber is also a major export (14% total merchandise exports in 1998/99).  Cassava, corn,
millet, plantains, and sweet potatoes are produced on semi-subsistence farms
2;  the relatively low
yields are due to poor access to inputs, technology, credit, and markets.
6. In 1998/99, production of coffee and cocoa accounted for around 2% of GDP and almost 21%
of non-oil exports.3   Cocoa remains the most important cash crop.  Cameroon is the world's sixth
largest cocoa producer, with output of 125,000 tonnes  in 1998/99 (Table IV.1).  The sector employs
over 600,000 persons.  Most of the cocoa production (around 90%) is exported; main export markets
are the Netherlands, Belgium and France.  In the same year (1998/99) exports of cocoa reached
CFAF  110 billion, equivalent to 11% of total merchandise exports.  Coffee is the second most
important agricultural export; almost 85% of the coffee grown in Cameroon is of the robusta variety.Coffee output in 1999/2000 was estimated at 98,000 tonnes, up from 76,000 tonnes in 1998/99.
7. Cotton is produced almost exclusively by sm all-scale farmers.  Production of raw cotton
increased significantly from 153,000 tonnes in 1994/95 to 218,000 tonnes in 1996/97;  however,
production declined in 1998/99 to 123,000 tonnes (Table IV.1).  Exports of raw cotton amounted
CFAF 47 billion in 1998/99, representing about 5% of total exports.
8. Banana production, which is almost entirely exported, has also increased over the past
decade.  Between 1990 and 1998, output grew from around 80,000 tonnes to more than
220,000 tonnes.  Production continued to increase in 1999/2000 to reach 240,000 tonnes.  Cameroon's
bananas are exported mainly to Europe, since they benefit from preferential access to EU markets
                                                     
1 Mbendi online information, Cameroon - Overview.  Available online at http://www.mbendi.co.za/
land/af/ca/p0005.htm.
2 Mbendi online information, Cameroon - Overview.  Available online at http://www.mbendi.co.za/
land/af/ca/p0005.htm.
3 Ministry of Agriculture (1999), Programme Sectoriel:  Cafés et Cacao.Cameroon WT/TPR/S/87
Page 51
under the Cotonou Agreement (Chapter II).  However, it seems that due to high transport costs and
port fees, Cameroon's bananas are not competitive in the international market.4
Table IV.1
Production of main agricultural products, 1993-2000
(Thousand metric tonnes)
1993/94 1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99 1999/2000
Cocoa (beans, butter
and meal)107 120 153 142 127 125 116
C o f f e e  b e a n s 7 25 77 49 08 07 69 8
Cotton 126 153 195 218 182 123 192
Banana 217 187 230 180 220 238 240
Palm oil 102 91 105 88 97 97 ..
S u g a r c a n e 5 35 55 55 55 54 4 ..
Maize 618 750 750 760 789 855 ..
Millet and sorghum 282 325 350 366 371 381 ..
R i c e 2 8 2 4 94 74 75 35 8 ..
Groundnuts (shelled) 99 118 118 118 118 211 ..
Tubers 2,188 2,616 2,631 2,684 2,711 3,898 ..
Potatoes 38 41 35 39 49 220 ..
Plantains 1,120 1,211 1,250 1,290 1,326 1,364 ..
.. Not available.
Source: Information provided by the Cameroonian authorities.
(b) Policy measures
9. The Government has implemented a number of measures to liberalize the agriculture sector
and improve product quality.  For instance, the production of cocoa and coffee was liberalized in1994/95; the marketing board, Office national de commercialization des produits de base  (ONCPB),
which controlled cocoa and coffee processing and marketing, was dismantled;  quantitative
restrictions on imports were removed;  and price controls were abolished.  The ONCPB was replaced
by the National Cocoa and Coffee Office ( Office National du Cacao et du Café , ONCC), which is in
charge of trade promotion.  Export licences for cocoa and coffee, which were issued by ONCPB, wereeliminated in 1994 and replaced by a quality grad e certification from the ONCC.  Export taxes were
also removed in 1999.
10. In general, no export restrictions apply to cocoa or coffee. However, as a member of the
Association of Coffee Producing Countries, Cameroon agreed to temporarily retain 20% of the coffee
to be exported.  Cameroon is also a member of the International Cocoa Organization (ICCO).  The
ICCO members concluded the negotiation of a new Cocoa Agreement on 3 March 2001, which is to
replace the 1993 Cocoa Agreement expiring on 30 September 2001.  
11. In 1999, the Government implemented the Programme Sectoriel Cafe et Cacao aimed at,
inter alia , strengthening the role and capacity of producers' organizations, and ensuring an adequate
level of investment in order to increase production and improve quality.
5
                                                     
4 Marchés tropicaux et méditerranéens, L'Hebdomadaire de l'Afrique, Numéro Hors Série, Spécial
Cameroun, 12 janvier 2001.
5 The goal is to increase cocoa production to 200,000 tonnes and that of coffee to 120,000 tonnes by the
year 2010.WT/TPR/S/87 Trade Policy Review
Page 52
12. Government intervention continues in the cotton sector.  SODECOTON a mixed-capital
enterprise (70% public and 30% private) is still in charge of marketing cotton and of supplying inputs
and fertilizer to cotton farmers.  The company processes raw cotton and markets the processed
material and other cotton by-products. Privatization of SODECOTON, which started in 1994, is
pending the resolution of legal problems and the establishment of an appropriate competitive and
legal framework.6
13. Despite the sector's relatively good performance since 1994, it still faces many constraints.
Access to inputs, technology, credit, and markets remains difficult in Cameroon.  The poor
transportation system has had an adverse effect on food distribution efforts;  for export crops this
means that the wedge between the f.o.b. price and the producer price increases.7  In order to boost
export competitiveness, a thorough reform of the ports and the road maintenance system is under way(see below).  In addition, all export taxes on agricultural products, except those on forestry products
were eliminated on July 1999 (Chapter III(3)(ii)).
8
14. According to the authorities, no subsidies are granted to the agriculture sector.  All fertilizer
subsidies have been removed and the price of fertilizers is market determined.9
15. Tariff protection in the agriculture sector has declined slightly since 1994, from 24.5% to
23% (Major Division 1 of ISIC Rev. 2 classification) but remains above the overall tariff average of
18.3%.10  Tariffs in this sector range from 0 to 30%;  the highest rates apply to logging (ISIC 122)
(Table AIV.1).  Cameroon's major agricultural exports bear the highest average protection (cocoa and
cocoa preparations (30%), coffee (29.6%), and fruit (29.6%));  while agricultural inputs such as
fertilizers bear rates of 5% (Table AIII.1).
16. Privatization is well advanced in the agri-industrial sector.  The rubber company, HEVECAM
was privatized in late 1996.  The Cameroon suga r company (CAMSUCO) a nd the state palm oil
company (SOCAPALM) were privatized in 1999 and 2000, respectively.11 The Government has been
directly involved in the production of cash crops through the Cameroon Development Corporation
(CDC), an agri-industrial enterprise created in 1947 to acquire, develop, and operate extensive
plantations of tropical crops.  Progress is expected to be made in the privatization of the
Corporation.12  The second round of bids for the privatization of CDC was delayed owing to,
inter alia , technical constraints relating to whether the company should be sold as a single entity or as
four separate entities (dealing with bananas, rubber,  tea, and palm oil).  With the privatization of the
CDC, most of the agriculture sector in Cameroon wo uld be transferred to the private sector, with the
exception of cotton, where privatization is pending.13
17. The Government is determined to further liberalize agriculture.  Its strategy is to improve the
sector's competitiveness and enhance factor productivity, with a view to strengthening growth,
increasing farmers' income, and reducing poverty.  Measures to enhance productivity are being
                                                     
6 IMF (1999c).
7 Townsend  (1999).
8 Export taxes affected eight agri-industrial products:  bananas, cocoa, coffee, cotton, medicinal plants,
palm oil, sugar, and rubber.
9 Townsend (1999).
10 The average MFN tariff levied on agriculture using the WTO definition is 22.5%.  Cameroon bound
all agricultural products (WTO definition) at a ceiling rate of 80%.
11 However, it appears that the private company that bought a majority holding in CAMSUCO
(Somdiaa) now enjoys a monopoly position on the domestic sugar market.
12 IMF (1999b).
13 IMF (1999c).Cameroon WT/TPR/S/87
Page 53
coordinated in the context of the Agricultural Research and Extension Services Programme
(PNRVA).  Government efforts were also aimed at diversifying domestic production and exports.
Priority will also be given to the promotion of rural feeder roads, so as to help develop trade flows
between the urban and rural areas.  The Government  intends to improve basic infrastructure in the
rural areas, as well as the quality of social and other public services delivered to them.  Attaining this
objective will require the continued decentralization of public administration and the development ofa strong partnership between the Government and local communities.  An institutional audit of the
Ministries of Agriculture and Livestock will be conducted, with a view to optimizing their
contribution to the development of the rural sector.
 14
18. The Crédit Agricole du Cameroun, which was established to finance agricultural production,
closed in 1997.  There does not appear to be any other institution specialized in financing agriculturalactivities.
(ii) Forestry
19. Forests cover an area of 22 million ha. in Cameroon, one third of which is currently being
exploited.
15  The contribution of the forestry sector to GDP has remained stable at around 7% since
1994/95.  Foreign investment in this sector seems to be high.16  Log production reached 3.5 million
cubic metres in 1998/99 up from 2.6 million in 1994/ 95 (Table IV. 2).  Forestry products continue to
be the second most important exports after petroleum, accounting for about  25% of total merchandise
exports, while revenues accounted for 0.6% of GDP in 1997/98.
20. Law 94/01 of 20 January 1994 regulates the forestry sector in Cameroon.  Among other
issues, this law covers the granting of exploitation licences, fees and taxes levied on forestry
exploitation, and exports of forestry products.17
21. In order to encourage local value added and job creation, and to ensure the supply of local
wood for processing industries, exports of unprocesse d logs have been subject to export restrictions
and taxes.  Up to 1 January 1999, 70% of all logs had to be processed locally, and 30% could be
exported.  Since then exports of logs of traditional species have been prohibited.18  Exports of specific
species, determined by regulation, are still allowed19, subject to a prior authorization and a surtax
ranging from CFAF 500/m3 to CFAF 4,000/m3.20 There is also a tax on exports of  logs of 17.5% and
a felling tax of 2.5% of the f.o.b. value.21
22. Export restrictions are likely to increase the rate of transformation, but at the expense of other
activities.22  The timber exporters' association estimated that the ban on exports of unprocessed logs
would lead to an annual loss of CFAF 35 billi on (around US$60 million) in budgetary receipts and
CFAF 130 billion in export earnings.  However, the authorities believe that in the longer term, themove towards local processing will make the sector more profitable.  In addition, the sector is
                                                     
14 IMF (1999d).
15 Cameroon's forests are said to contain about 300 different species of commercial value, of which
only 30 are being effectively exploited (EIU (2000b)).
16 IMF (2000h).
17 GATT(1995) provides a summary of the main provisions of Law 94/01.
18 L'actualité du Jour  (25.01.1999), "Fin des exportations de bois Camerounais" [Online].  Available at:
http://www.woya.com/news/ [6 July 2000].
19 This list is stipulated in the Annex to Decree No. 97/283/PM, 30 July 1997.
20 This tax replaced the progressive surtax (Budget Law 2000/2001).
21 According to the IMF, an export tax of 17.5% is applied to timber, and of 12.5% to the log-
equivalent of processed woods (IMF (2000g)).
22 According to the authorities, the restrictions were put in place on environmental grounds.WT/TPR/S/87 Trade Policy Review
Page 54
protected by tariffs of 30%, well above the overall average tariff of 18.3%, and also above the average
tariff for agriculture of 22.5%.  Wood and wood products (ISIC 33) also bear tariffs above the average
(Table AIV.1).
Table IV.2
Forestry sector indicators, 1994-99
1994/95 1995/96 1996/97 1997/98 1998/99
(million hectares)
Wood area 22 22 22 22 22
(thousand cubic meters)
Production
Logs 2,628 2,820 3,400 3,406 3,500
Sawn wood 904 1,187 1,530 1,678 ..
(units as indicated)
Exports
Value (CFAF billion) 91 91 160 270 261
Volume (thousand tonnes) 599 606 1,423 1,742 1,421
(CFAF billion)
Total forestry sector revenue 20.6 21.0 24.5 32.7 28.4
Area tax 0.4 1.1 1.2 1.2 3.1
Stumpage fee 1.8 3.0 4.1 7.5 7.6
Export taxes 18.4 16.9 19.1 24.0 17.7
(per cent)
Share in GDP 6.7 6.9 7.0 7.0 7.0
Forestry exports/total exports 10.6 10.3 16.3 24.9 27.8
Forestry exports/non-oil exports 16.2 15.3 18.8 18.3 ..
Total forestry revenue/GDP 0.5 0.5 0.5 0.6   ..
Total forestry revenue/forestry sector GDP 5.9 5.1 5.6 7.3 ..
Total forestry revenue/total revenue 3.9 3.2 3.3 3.9 ..
Forestry export taxes/forestry exports 20.2 18.5 15.2 18.9  ..
.. Not available.
Note: Fiscal year begins in July.
Source: IMF (2000h), Cameroon – Statistical Appendix [Online].  Available online at:  http://www.imf.org/external/pubs/
ft/scr/2000/cr0081.pdf; and the Government of Cameroon.
23. The exploitation of timber is subject to royalties of CFAF 2,500/ha for sales of cut logs and
CFAF 1,000/ha for concessions.23  Several other fiscal charges are applied to forestry exploitation: an
approval fee (of CFAF 15/ha/five years); a bond (of CFAF 40/ha/five years);  a transfer fee (of
CFAF 100/ha/year);  a territorial levy (of CFAF 10/ha/ year);  a fee for participation in construction of
socio-economic infrastructure projects (of CFAF 40/ha/year);  and a contribution to forestrydevelopment works (of CFAF 28/ha/year).
24
24. A non-transferable licence (titre d'exploitation forestière) is required to carry out commercial
forestry activities (Table IV.3).  Exploitation licences are granted only to Cameroon residents, or
                                                     
23 Article 11, Law No. 2000/08, 30 June 2000.
24 Most of these fees and taxes are fixed annually in the Budget Law.Cameroon WT/TPR/S/87
Page 55
firms with headquarters in Cameroon and whose capital composition is known by the forest
administration.  Moreover, certain forestry concessions are reserved to nationals.25
Table IV.3
Forestry licensing
Categories of licences Timber sales Forestry licences Recovery permitsForestry agreements
(forestry planning
units)
Ownership rules Partially reserved for
CamerooniansReserved for
CamerooniansReserved for
CamerooniansPartially reserved for
Cameroonians
Allocation method Allocated by the Forestry
Minister following aninvitation to tenderAllocated by the Forestry
MinisterAllocated by the
Provincial
Representative of the
Forestry MinisterAllocated following
an invitation to tender,
with prior selection by
a State Commission
Site In the Non-Permanent
Forestry Area and thePermanent Forestry AreaIn the Non-Permanent
Forestry AreaIn the Non-Permanent
Forestry AreaIn the Non-Permanent
Forestry Area
Duration Allocated for one year,
renewable twiceAllocated for a
maximum of one yearAllocated for a
maximum of threemonthsAllocated for 15
years, renewable,reassessed every threeyears
Maximum volume orareaArea of 2,500 hectares Maximum volume of
500 metres
3Maximum volume of30 metres
3Requirements includemanagement plans,the setting up of a
processing industry,
the participation oflocal communities,
etc.  During the first
three years of acontract, the
contractor is entitled
to one felling area peryear
Source: Mimbimi Essono, Parfait (2000), Commerce International et Gestion durable des ressources forestières :  le cas du
Cameroun .  Available at:http://www.envirodev.org/wwf-jour nal/travaux/cas-foret-cameroun-0700/cas-foret3.htm.
25. A number of reforms have been undertaken to address concerns about corruption, lack of
transparency, and weak institutions in the sector.  These included the adoption of a new framework toaward concessions and harvesting rights, the strengthening of the various institutions in charge of
monitoring, evaluating, and enforcing forestry policy.
26 The National Forestry Development Office
(l'Office National de Développement des Forêts, ONADEF), together with other dependencies of the
Ministry of Environment and Forestry (MINEF), is in the process of being restructured.  The MINEF
appointed an independent observer to survey the awarding of concessions for forestry operations.
26. Other reforms to be introduced are:  (i) an adjudication system for export quotas on
unprocessed logs;  (ii) a timber tax levied at the factory entrance (entrée usine);  (iii) the phasing outof the system of export processing enterprises (points francs);  (iv) an inter-community equalization
fund financed by a portion of the annual forestry royalties;  (v) monitoring  the  origin and the traffic
of logs; and (vi) a monitoring system for fiscal and environmental infractions, including the pursuit of
contentious cases to the fullest extent stipulated by law.
27
                                                     
25 Law 94/01, 20 January 1994.
26 World Bank (2000b).
27 IMF (2000f).WT/TPR/S/87 Trade Policy Review
Page 56
(3) MINING AND OIL
27. Cameroon’s major export commodity is petroleum.  Apart from oil, Cameroon also has
significant mineral potential, including bauxite, rutile, and uranium.  However, the exploitation of
Cameroon's bauxite reserves would require substantial infrastructure development.28  Mining of rutile
started in 1994, and a foreign company was granted a licence to mine cobalt and nickel in eastern
Cameroon.29  Also, numerous artisanal gold workings are known (producing around 1,500 kg./year),
but it appears that no modern exploration methods have been used to locate Cameroon’s primary gold
potential.  Apparently, Cameroon produced ap proximately 10,000ct of diamonds in 1999.  Diamonds
are produced with artisanal methods in the east of Cameroon.30  Cameroon has gas reserves of about
3.9 Tcf.  However, at present no reserves have been exploited.31  The Mining Code of 1964, which
provided for extensive state intervention, has been revised, and new mining legislation is beingdiscussed at the National Assembly.  The intent is to decrease the role of the State in mining
operations as well as its discretionary powers, and at the same time to increase its role as a supervisor
and regulator of the mining sector.  Environmental aspects will also be addressed in the new code.
32
28. Cameroon is sub-Saharan Africa's fifth largest oil producer, with crude oil production of
about 100,000 barrels per day (bbl/d) in 1999.33  Oil production, which peaked at 185,000 barrels per
day in 1985, has been declining over the past decade, and is expected to continue to decline in the
period ahead, unless significant discoveries are made.  By 1995/96 output was down to 104,000 bbl/d
and has remained around that level reaching 106,165 bbl/d in 1998 and 104,192 bbl/d in 1999. The
sharp decline in oil production was mainly attributable to the limited exploration efforts by private
investors.  According to the authorities, the new code will allow the exploitation of new areas.  In
1998, the Government introduced new legislation that offers incentives for companies investing in
marginal and deep-water fields, in order to reverse the oil sector's steady decline and to attract foreigndirect investment.  For instance, enterprises that exploit hydrocarbons may import all equipment and
material duty free.  However, it has been reported that depressed prices and the associated uncertainty
across the industry, combined with a legacy of official mismanagement and corruption, have
undermined these efforts.
34  Oil revenue remains important, representing around 28% of total
government revenue, equivalent to 5.7% of GDP in fiscal year 1995.  Cameroon became a net oilexporter in 1995.
35  Petroleum and petroleum products accounted for around one third of total
merchandise exports in 1998/99.  Italy is the most important market for crude oil.
29. In 1980, a national company (the Société Nationa le des Hydrocarbures, SNH) was set up to
represent the Government with oil companies and to  receive payments from, and make payments to,
the companies for operations related to oil exploration and exploitation.  SNH is responsible for
                                                     
28 Potential bauxite reserves exist at Minim-Martap and Ngaouanda deposits, located in the remote
northern parts of the country.  These two deposits have an estimated combined resource of 1,100 million tonnesof bauxite.
29 EIU (2000b).
30Mbendi online information, Cameroon:  Mining  [Online].  Available at: http://www.mbendi.co.za/
indy/ming/af/ca/p0005.htm [8 February 2001].
31 Mbendi online information, Cameroon:  Oil and Gas Industry  [Online].  Available  at:
http://www.mbendi.co.za/indy/oilg/gas_/af/ca/p0005.htm [8 February 2001].
32 Mbendi online information, Cameroon: Mining  [Online].  Available at:  http://www.mbendi.co.za/
indy/ ming/af/ca/p0005.htm [8 February 2001].
33 United States Energy Information Administration, online information, Cameroon [Online]  Available
at:  http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/cameroon.html [4 July 2000].
34 Newafrica.com (2000), Cameroon:  Investment  and Business Environment [Online].  Available at:
http://www.newafrica.com/business/environment/cameroon.htm [1 November 2000].
35 United States Energy Information Administration, online information, "Cameroon".  Available at:
http://www.eia.doe.gov/emeu/cabs/cameroon.html [4 July 2000].Cameroon WT/TPR/S/87
Page 57
negotiating and supervising the partnership agreements concluded with the private oil companies, as
well as marketing and selling the Government's share of oil, and for transferring the oil revenue to the
Treasury.  A production-sharing arrangement exists between the oil companies and SNH;  SNH
receives between 60% and 70% of total output.  Howe ver, it has been reported by the IMF that the oil-
related transactions were not transparent and that the transfers to the Treasury were problematic,
leading to significant extrabudgetary operations and governance issues.36  The oil storage company
SCDP (Sociéte camerounaise de depôts pétroliers), a semi-public company, continues to have a
monopoly over oil storage.37  The distribution of oil products was liberalized in 2000.38  According to
the authorities, the SCDP only ensures that there is a necessary stock of oil and its distribution;  the
importation and exportation of oil have been liberalized.  The privatization of SCDP is in progress.
30. Since 1997, a series of measures have been implemented by the Government to improve the
efficiency and reduce the distribution costs of petroleum products in Cameroon and to improve the
transparency of petroleum-sector activities.  Domestic refining costs have been reduced and pump
prices have been liberalized.  SNH is transferring  oil revenues to the Treasury regularly; several
annual audits of the SNH have been performed by independent accounting firms; and a monitoring
mechanism has been established between the Ministry of Finance and SNH under which monthlymeetings are held to review the company's cash-flow position.  The petroleum code (providing
additional incentives to private investors) was adopted at the end of 1998.  This, together with the
implementation of the Chad-Cameroon pipeline project, should provide an environment conducive to
renewed interest in hydrocarbon exploration and production in Cameroon.
31. A number of measures have been undertaken since 1998 to encourage foreign investment in
petroleum and gas exploration.  In April 1998, Parliament passed a bill providing tax incentives for oil
exploration and development.  Exemption from the special income tax is the most important taxincentive.  The monopoly of the national oil refi nery SONARA (Société Na tionale de Raffinage),
over the supply of petroleum products was suppressed in 1998.
39  Refined petroleum prices were
liberalized on 1 July 1999, and an automatic adjustment mechanism was established.  The distribution
segment of the market has already been liberalized, and a majority of the shares in (and management
of) the petroleum storage facility (SCDP) is to be transferred to the private sector by the end ofSeptember 2001.
40
32. The authorities also aim to reduce domestic oil prices.  However, the provision of petroleum
products at the lowest cost possible to domestic consumers would also require a larger opening of the
domestic market to direct petroleum imports, technical and financial improvements in the operations
of the domestic refinery to reach import parity status, and  a full liberalization of exports of refinedproducts.  It would also require the opening up of downstream activities to new petroleum companies
in order to increase competition,  the privatizat ion of the storage company (SCDP), and reduction of
the storage costs of refined products.
33. Tariff protection for the sector is relatively low.  The average MFN tariff levied on imported
crude petroleum (ISIC 22) is 10%;  similar tariffs (10.3%) are levied on petroleum refineries(ISIC353) (Table AIV.1).  None of the tariff lines in the sector are bound.
                                                     
36 IMF (2000e).
37 GATT (1995).
38 Decree No. 2000/935/PM, 13 November 2000.
39 IMF (1999c).
40 IMF (2000f).WT/TPR/S/87 Trade Policy Review
Page 58
34. The Government's energy policy is also aimed at reducing domestic oil consumption by
increasing the proportion of electricity produced by gas and hydropower.41  Oil accounts for about one
eighth of Cameroon's energy consumption;  electricity, wood, and charcoal make up the balance.
Electricity is produced by hydroelectric plants and thermal stations.  With domestic and industrial
demand rising over the recent years, the present power generation capacity can barely meet the
national energy requirements, leading to numerous power outages.  However, there still appears to begreat potential for expanding hydropower generation.  The Sanga River alone has a potential of
162 billion kWh per year and represents 55% of the country's total hydropower resources.
35. In the electricity sector, a new institutional framework has been put in place with the
establishment of the Electricity Regulatory Agency and the Rural Electrification Agency.  This new
arrangement paves the way for competition in the power sector.  The privatization of the stateelectricity supplier, SONEL (Société nationale d'él ectricité du Cameroun), currently at an advanced
stage, is expected to be followed by significant investment in the sector.  Imports of electrical energy
are subject to a 10% tariff.
(4) M
ANUFACTURING
36. The manufacturing sector in Cameroon remains relatively underdeveloped, accounting for
around 14% of GDP in 1998/99 and employing an estimated 7% of the working population. The
manufacturing sector consists of some 30 large enterprises, with about 108 small and  medium-sized
firms, and several thousand companies with fewer than ten employees.42  The sector is based on the
processing of domestic primary products (petroleum-refining, agri-industrial activities) and imported
raw materials.  According to a 1995 survey of industrial enterprises in the formal sector, the main
branches of manufacturing, based on the value of output, were wood products (15.5% of the total),
petroleum and coal products (14.9%), food products (14.8%) and beverages (11.2%).
37. In the Uruguay Round, Cameroon bound only three non-agricultural goods at a rate of 50%.43 
The applied MFN tariff provides an average level of protection of 18.1% to the manufacturing sector
as whole (Major Division 3 of ISIC Rev.2 classification), with tariffs ranging from 0-30%.  However,
some of the most important export-oriented in dustries – wood and wood products (28.6%) and food
products, beverages and tobacco (24.2%) – benefit from above average levels of protection(Chart IV.2).  Tariff escalation is present in some  of the industries geared mainly towards domestic
consumption such as textiles and apparel, chemicals, and basic metals.
38. Cameroon does not provide industry-specific incentives.  Under the industrial free zone and
the point franc industriel regimes, fiscal incentives  are available to enterprises that produce mainly to
export (Chapter III (3)(vi)(c)).
39. A strategy aimed at promoting the development of the manufacturing sector is to be adopted
by June 2001. This is to be attained by:  (i)  promoting investment in the manufacturing sector to
reduce production costs (to this end, the Government is planning to deregulate (i.e. liberalize),
eliminate the distortions created by the existing tariff  structure, invest in infrastructure to reduce high
transportation and utilities costs,  and improve access to finance); (ii) promoting exports ofmanufacturing goods to the regional market (CEMAC is considered as a stepping-stone towards the
international market);  and (iii) improving professional and technical training.
                                                     
41 Cameroon's potential for hydroelectric generation is among the highest in Africa. Cameroon also has
estimated gas reserves of 3.9 trillion cubic feet.
42 EIU (2000b).
43 The non-agricultural goods are jute products (HS5303.10.00,  HS5307.10.00 and HS5307.20.00).Cameroon WT/TPR/S/87
Page 59
26.416.014.022.712.314.028.622.824.2
0.0 5.0 10.0 15.0 20.0 25.0 30.0 35.0Other manufacturing industriesFabricated metal products, machinery & equipmentBasic metal industriesNon-metallic mineral productsChemicals, petroleum, coal, rubber, plasticsPaper, paper products, printing and publishingWood and wood products, including furnitureTextile, wearing apparel and leather industriesManufacture of food, beverages and tobaccoChart IV.2
Tariff averages for the manufacturing sector, by ISIC (Rev.2)
(Per cent)
Source : WTO Secretariat calculations, base on izf.net online information. Available at: http://www.iz f.net.
(5) SERVICES
(i) Overview
40. The services sector in Cameroon accounts for close to 40% of GDP (35.8% in 1996/97) and
employs more than 15% of the total labour force.  Despite the sector's importance in supporting
economic growth and development, its performance during the past decade (1989-99) was not
satisfactory;  the sector contracted at an average annual rate of 0.6% recovering in 1998 with anannual growth rate of 9.1% but declining again to 1.8% in 1999. There has been a decline in
productivity in virtually all sub-sectors, due mainly to a deterioration of the infrastructure and
mismanagement of state-owned enterprises supplying services.  The Government has undertaken a
number of measures to privatize and implement thorough reforms in the different sub-sectors.
41. Cameroon has eliminated most of its restrictions on foreign trade in services.  Restrictions
remain in the so-called strategic sectors such as water distribution, electricity, and public
transportation (road and rail).
44   The authorities noted, however, that these enterprises are in the
process of being privatized.
42. Cameroon bound only a few areas under the GATS.  Cameroon made sector-specific
commitments covering some business services, and tourism and travel-related services  (Table IV.4).
Some horizontal limitations are scheduled on market access.  Commercial presence is limited by the
requirements specified in the Certificate of Approval, inter alia, at least 25% of the value of all inputsused must be produced in Cameroon;  at least 35% of the equity of an enterprise must be held by
Cameroonian natural persons or by a legal entity established under Cameroonian law.  Foreign
                                                     
44 USTR (2000).WT/TPR/S/87 Trade Policy Review
Page 60
enterprises are also required to employ a specific number of Cameroonians.45  Cameroon did not
participate in the WTO negotiations on basic telecommunications, nor on financial services.
Table IV.4
Summary of Cameroon's specific commitments in services
Modes of supply
Sector or subsector Cross-border
supplyConsumption
abroadCommercial
presencePresence of
natural persons
1. Business services Market access/National treatment
F. Other business services
(n) Maintenance services (CPC 88)aU/U U/U NL/NL U/NL
Applies to maintenance services for
industrial equipment used in
manufacturing spare parts and in
activities exercised by small andmedium-sized enterprises in the
following sectors:
- agricultural and agro-industry 
production
- industrial and small-scale fisheries
- forestry:  timber processing
9. Tourism and travel-related services
A. Hotel and restaurant services
Hotel services (CPC 641)b
Restaurant services (CPC 642)cU/U U/U NL/NL U/NL
B. Travel agencies and tour operators 
services (CPC 7471)dU/U U/U NL/NL U/NL
a The service sector specified represents only part of the activities covered by the corresponding heading of the CPC.b Applies to establishments providing accommodation, which are liable to classification in accordance with existing regulations 
and are covered by the provisions governing small and medium-size enterprises.
c Applies to tourism-oriented restaurants, when part of a complex or located on a site recognized by the Tourist Authority as be ing 
of interest for tourism, and covered by the provisions governing small and medium-sized enterprises.
d Applies to tourist agencies accredited under existing regulations, which come under the provisions governing small and 
medium-sized enterprises.
Notes: NL No limitations, i.e. Cameroon agreed to place no constraints on the item in question.
U Unbound, i.e. Cameroon made no engagements with respect to the item in question.
Source: WTO document GATS/SC/15, 15 April 1994.
43. Cameroon listed exemptions from the MFN treatment regarding maritime transport (coastal
shipping (cabotage) trade, and bulk and specialized cargoes).46
(ii) Financial services
(a) Banking
44. Cameroon's banking activities have undergone a thorough reform.  Since the late 1980s, the
authorities have implemented a programme of privatization47, liquidation, and re-capitalization of
banks, and have reinforced regulatory and supervisory capacity. Measures were also aimed at
                                                     
45 The presence of natural persons (as regards market access) is unbound, except for measures affecting
the entry and temporary stay of selected categories of employees (WTO document GATS/SC/15,
15 April 1994).
46 These reflect concessions granted under bilateral or regional agreements (WTO document
GATS/EL/15, 15 April 1994).
47 In January 2000 the last state-owned bank was sold to a foreign bank.Cameroon WT/TPR/S/87
Page 61
strengthening competition in the banking sector.  Since 1996, the State is allowed to hold a maximum
of 20% of a bank's capital.  Foreign banks must be locally registered to undertake banking
operations.48  Foreign banks established in Cameroon may undertake the same operations as domestic
banks, and the minimum capital required is the same as for domestic banks (CFAF 1 million).
Foreign financial institutions may have a representative office in Cameroon;  managers must be
nationals and reside in Cameroon.49
45. The banking system in Cameroon consists of commercial private banks, postal checking and
savings banks, and micro-financing institutions (MFIs).  There are eight commercial banks with a
high participation of foreign capital.  Commercial banks provide credit only to a limited number of
creditworthy customers.  Access to financing has tended to be a function of firms size, as larger
clients, in some cases, account for over 75% of an individual commercial bank's business.50  In
general, access to finance is viewed by firms as the major constraining factor, especially for small and
medium-sized firms.  Moreover, the postal checking and savings banks, which play a key role in the
mobilization of savings, are bankrupt.  Postal financing institutions need to be built up from scratch
while protecting depositors.51    As a result, a parallel micro-financing industry has developed outside
the legal and regulatory framework.
46. It is estimated that Cameroon has over 900 unsupervised MFIs, which are considered to
constitute a threat to the recently restructured banking system.  In September 1998, a decree was
issued subjecting all MFI operations to a licensing process and to supervision by the Central African
Banking Commission (COBAC).  The licence is grante d by the Minister of Finance, subject to a non-
objection from COBAC.  A micro-finance supervision unit, created within the Ministry of Finance, is
undertaking a census of all institutions and processing their requests for licensing.  Licensing
requirements are very broad and are basically aimed at registering MFIs.  In addition, the regionalregulator is conducting a study of the main characteristics of the various institutions to define specific
prudential regulations.
52
47. The Government provides credit for housing and real-estate at preferential rates through the
Crédit Foncier.
48. The banking crisis of the early 1990s, which led to the sector's restructuring, was triggered
mainly by the large amount of non-performing bad debt owed to the banking system by the
Government and public enterprises.  Other weaknesses of commercial banks in Cameroon included a
reported lack of willingness to take risks, and outdated products; these reflect a need for modern
banking instruments and for institutional reform.53
49. The authorities noted, however, that the restructuring of the commercial banks has been
successful;  most banks are currently profitable.54  However, concentration in the banking system
remains, with three banks holding 71% of total deposits. The sector's restructuring has led to a
reduction in the cost of credit, as banks no longer need to pass on the costs of large non-performing
                                                     
48 Article 5, Ordonnance No. 85/002, 31 August 1985 (Relative a l'Exercise de L'Activité des
Etablissements de Credit).
49 Article 8, Ordonnance No. 85/002, 31 August 1985 (Relative à l'Exercise de L'Activité des
Etablissements de Credit).
50 IMF (1999b).
51 World Bank (2000c).
52 World Bank (2000c).
53 Tradeport online information, Cameroon:  Trade and Project Financing . Available at:
http://tradeport.org/ts/countries/cameroon/financing.html [8 February 2001].
54 World Bank (2000b).WT/TPR/S/87 Trade Policy Review
Page 62
portfolios.  The cost of loans to the best customers has declined to 9% in early 1999, compared with
14-16% in 1997.55  Following the banking reform, banks set interest rates within the limits set by the
Bank of Central African States (Banque des Etats de l'Afrique Centrale, BEAC).
50. Banking and financial activities in Cameroon are under the overall responsibility of the Bank
of Central African States (BEAC).  Banking supervision in Cameroon is organized at the regional
level to cover the six CEMAC countries.  The Central African Banking Commission (COBAC) is theprudential supervisory authority in charge of on-site and off-site supervision and issuing prudential
regulations.  It shares responsibility with the national ministries of finance for licensing new banks
56,
and it has the authority to sanction credit institutions, to revoke banking licences, and to decide on
liquidation of banks.  However, COBAC has to rely on the respective national authorities' willingness
to cooperate for the implementation and enforcement of its decisions.
51. The IMF, in its assessment of observance of the Basel Core Principles for Effective Banking
Supervision, found that Cameroon complied only partially to these principles;  this assessment
revealed that the most important weaknesses were in the regulatory framework, and more specifically
in the lack of human resources.57
(b) Insurance
52. There are 14 private insurance companies in Cameroon;  turnover in 1997/98 was nearly
CFAF 46 million.  Twelve companies offer only non-life insurance and the others only life insurance.
Companies may not offer both life and non-life policies.  The insurance market appears to be highly
concentrated, with four companies holding 73% of the market.58
53. There are three state-owned insurance companies:  Assurances mutuelles agricoles du
Cameroun (AMACAM), Société camerounaise d'assura nce et de réassurances (SOCAR), and the
Caisse nationale de réassurance (CNR).  In 1996 the Government announced plans to liquidateAMACAM and SOCAR, and to transf er CNR to the private sector.
59  In the period 1999/2000, the
Government privatized SOCAR and liquidated CNR.
54. Foreign companies may offer insurance and reinsurance services only if they establish a
branch in Cameroon.
55. Cameroon has ratified the Treaty of the Inter-African Conference on Insurance Markets
(Conférence internationale des marchés d'assurance, CIMA) and has adopted a common code with
respect to the insurance sector. The Code regulates insurance services in 14 African countries, setting
out prudential requirements for insurance companies and regulating the activities of insurance brokers
and agents.60  Only authorized companies established under national law (irrespective of the origin of
their capital) are entitled to operate.  The Code requires a separation of life insurance and non-lifeinsurance (fire, accident, technical, and other risks) activities.  Enforcement of CIMA regulations has
                                                     
55 IMF (1999b).
56 According to the IMF, this two-level licen sing process can cause unnecessary delays, and
concomitant judicial validity and enforceability problems for management decisions taken while a licensingdecision remains pending (IMF (2000i)).
57 IMF (2000i).
58 Marchés Tropicaux , 12 January 2001.
59 Europa (2000).
60 The 14 countries are:  Benin, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Central African Republic, Chad, Comoros,
Côte d'Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Mali, Niger, Senegal, and Togo.Cameroon WT/TPR/S/87
Page 63
led to the closure of some weak insurance companies and the restructuring of the sector,  which is
almost completed.61
(iii) Telecommunications
56. Cameroon's telephone network appears to be inadequate.  Telephone density was estimated at
five lines per 1,000 inhabitants in 1995, with an av erage waiting period of five-and-a-half years for
the installation of a new line. Moreover, data for the telecommunications sector in 1997 showed littleimprovement;  only 0.5% of the population had access to telephone lines, of which only 43% were in
use due to technical problems.
62  Investment in the sector is low and, consequently,
telecommunications growth has been slow;  the wa iting list is twice the number of lines connected.
57. Cameroon has made an important effort to reform and liberalize the telecommunications
sector.  The sector is now regulated by the 1998 Telecommunications Law, which calls for theprivatization of the sector
63, and established a regulatory body (L'Agence de Regulation des
Telecommunications).  This regulatory agency has been created to ensure the sector's proper
functioning and competition among individual operators.  The legislation also calls for the reform of
the Ministry of Post and Telecommunications.
58. The reform process was undertaken in  two stages:  separation of telecommunications
operations from the postal service, and the rationalization of the operation of telecommunications
services by merging the international and domestic services, creating CAMTEL.  In the past, the
Sociéte des Télécommunications Internationales du Cameroun (IntelCam), established in 1972,
provided international services, packet switched services, cellular services, and Internet services;
while the Direction des Télécommunications, a department within the Ministry of Post and
Telecommunications, was responsible for the domestic telecommunications network.  A subsidiary
providing mobile telephone services, Cameroon Telecommunications-Mobile (Camtel Mobile), wasalso established.
59. Under its privatization efforts, the Government  announced the tender of CAMTEL, the largest
state-owned firm, in December 1999.
64 The second round of tenders for the privatization of the fixed
telecommunications company received a weak response, and a third round of calls for bids was
launched in May 2000; the successful bidder (TELECEL) was  selected by end-September 2000;TELECEL will have 51% of the shares;  49% will re main in the State's hands.  Camtel-Mobile was
sold in February 2000.  A second licence for the provision of mobile telephony was granted in
May 1999, for a duration of 15 years, to the Société Camerounaise de Mobile (SCM), a subsidiary of
France Câbles et Radio (FCR).  It is expected that in the near future, another private cellular telephone
company will be established in the market.
60. The Government has reduced its involvement in the sector but will retain responsibility for
defining policy.
65  Direct government involvement will diminish substantially with the privatization of
                                                     
61 USTR (2000).
62 IMF (1999b).
63 International Trade Administration, U.S. Department of Commerce online information, Office of
Telecommunications Technologies,  Telecommunications Country Profile:  Cameroon [Online].  Available at:
http://www.ita.doc.gov/SmapFramset.html [8 February 2001].
64 The Government invited a strategic partner to take over 51% equity stake in CAMTEL, 10% was
reserved for private nationals;  and 5% for CAMTEL employees.
65 The Government aims to connect rural areas, (2,000 villages by 2005) and expand the network to
750,000 lines by 2010.WT/TPR/S/87 Trade Policy Review
Page 64
both CAMTEL and Camtel Mobile; once the privatization is completed, the Government will hold
34% of the CAMTEL shares.
61. Low telephone penetration, as well as low PC availability, has presented a great challenge to
the development of the Internet in Cameroon.  With the ongoing privatization in the
telecommunications sector, the Internet is likely to expand much faster supported by an expanding
telecommunication network.66  To promote the expansion of Internet services, personal computers
(PCs) will enter Cameroon duty free as of 1 July 2001.
(iv) Transport
62. Reform of the transport sector is critical in order to improve the competitiveness of
Cameroon's economy.  Thus, the Government is engaged in far-reaching reforms, which include
implementation of an action plan to restructure the ports;  rehabilitation of the railroad company;  andprovision of adequate financing for road maintenance and its privatization.
(a) Maritime transport
63. Cameroon's main port, located in Douala, handled over 5.5 million tonnes in 1997/98 (95% of
Cameroon's merchandise trade).
67  The Port of Douala is considered the major port of entry for the
Central African region;  however, it is also reported to be among the least efficient ports in WestAfrica and in need of constant dredging and major refitting.
68 The fees charged in Douala are three
times  those charged in neighbouring ports (e.g. Libreville, Abidjan, and Dakar);  and it takes an
average of 21 days to unload a container in Douala, compared with less than seven days on average
for other ports on the West African coast.69
64. In 1998, after the adoption of the new Port Law, the reform of the ports was initiated.  The
aim was to improve competitiveness through a reduction in costs and port delays, notably at the port
of Douala.  At the institutional level, a number of new port entities were created, including theNational Port Authority (APN) and new independent port management companies.
70  N e w
management structures were created and are currently being established in each port.  The full
independence of the new port management entities is to be established in each port, and all industrial
and commercial activities are to be transferred to the private sector through competitive bidding.71  It
has recently been reported that the port of Douala has improved its performance significantly sinceSeptember 2000, thanks to a vast programme of restructuring supported by the World Bank.
72  The
establishment of a one-stop window for international trade formalities in August 2000 has reduced
cargo-clearance delays to 15 days for imports and four days for exports.  The reduction of port
charges and tariffs and the prospective transfer of commercial and industrial activities of the port to
the private sector are also likely to boost the port's competitiveness.
65. Maritime transport is now open to any tran sporter who is registered under Cameroonian or
foreign law serving Cameroonian ports. In early 1998, national preferences and cargo-sharing
                                                     
66 MBendi online information, Cameroon- Computers and Communication: Communications and
Information Technology.   Available at:  Http://www.mbend i.co.za/africacomm s/cotl/af/ca/p0005.htm
[8 February 2001].
67 There are three other ports in Cameroon:  Kribi, Limbé, and Garoua.
68 EIU (2000b).
69 IMF (1999b).
70 IMF (1999c).
71 IMF (1999d).
72 EIU (2000b).Cameroon WT/TPR/S/87
Page 65
arrangements for maritime transportation, administered by the National Shipping Line, and the
National Shipping Council levy on exports and imports, were eliminated.  Auxiliary port and
maritime services were liberalized in 1999.
66. Under the GATS, Cameroon listed MFN exemptions concerning maritime transport.  The list
covers measures based on bilateral and multilateral agreements granting cabotage rights to trading
partners on a reciprocal basis or establishing provisions for national companies to share shippingroutes.
(b) Air transport
67. Cameroon has three international airports, along with 50 small airports or airstrips.  The
domestic air service is not well developed.  Cameroon Airlines (CAMAIR), the national carrier, has a
de facto monopoly on domestic flights and also provides  international air servi ces.  CAMAIR is being
restructured.
68. A Law on Civil Aviation was adopted in December 1998.
73  The main objectives of the Law
are to ensure the proper organization of civil aviation activities;  to promote competition and
private-sector participation;  and to guarantee efficient utilization of the infrastructure.  Under this
Law, the provisions of previous legislation (L aw No. 93/008 of 16 July 1993), liberalizing domestic
and regional air services, are extended to international air services.  Actions aimed at hampering or
limiting competition in the sector (in particular with regard to market access and price fixing) are
prohibited.
69. The CEMAC Civil Aviation Code, which regulates the exploitation of air-transport services
amongst member countries, was adopted on 21 July 2000.74  The Code is aimed at, inter alia,
promoting technical and commercial cooperation among the different airlines in the region;
establishing common security measures; and preventing the adoption of any measures that couldhinder air transport development in the region.
75
(c) Road and rail transport
70. The road network totals 66,742 km, of which 4,060 km. are paved roads, 31,700 km. are dirt
roads, and the remainder are rural tracks.  The paved and dirt-road network is unevenly distributed
with a relatively high concentration in the littoral and western provinces.  Lack of periodicmaintenance and rehabilitation has led to a deterioration of the road infrastructure.  The Government
plans to pursue projects to extend and maintain the national road network both in urban and rural
areas, within the framework of a strategy focusing, in particular, on the establishment of a Road Fund
(set up in 1999) to provide adequate financing for, and the privatization of, road maintenance.
71. Road transport activities (merchandise and passengers) are dominated by operators in the
informal sector.  Road transport costs in Cameroon are reported to be relatively high.
76
                                                     
73 Law No 98/023 of 24 December 1998 (Loi po rtant régime de l'aviation civile).
74 Regulation No. 10/00-CEMAC-066-CM-04, 21 July 2000 [Online].  Available at: http://www.
izf.net/izf [14 February 2001].
75 Regulation No. 6/99/CEMAC-003-CM-02,4 March 1999 [Online].  Available at  http://www.izf.net/
izf [16 January 2001].
76 For example, the estimated cost of road transport for wood is 10% to 15% higher than in
Côte d'Ivoire (Government of Cameroon (1999)).WT/TPR/S/87 Trade Policy Review
Page 66
72. The railway system totals 1,100 km with two lin es.  The railway plays an important role in
domestic freight and transit transport as well as providing passenger services to and from northern
Cameroon.  The national railway operator (Régie nationale des chemins de fer du Cameroun) was
privatized in 1998.  The privatization of the nation al railway network has been completed with the
liquidation of the national railway company (REGIFE RCAM) and the granting of the concession to a
new private-sector company (CAMRAIL).
(v) Tourism
73. Cameroon has good tourism potential. The main tourist attractions are in the north, with
several natural reserves; hotel infrastructure in this area is sufficient to meet current demand.  Official
statistics estimate tourist arrivals at 135,000 in 1998.
74. Tourism activities are regulated by Law 98/006 of 14 April 1998.  The Government's policy is
aimed at further developing and promoting tourism.  The Government hopes to attract
500,000 tourists by 2002, but has yet to outline a specific strategy to attain this goal.  The National
Tourism Council was established in April 1998 to advise the Government on measures to promote the
development of tourism in Cameroon.77  Under Law 98/006, fiscal incentives could be granted to
attract investment (domestic and foreign) in the sector.
75. Domestic or foreign companies willing to operate in any tourism-related activities must
obtain a non-transferable licence from the Ministry of Tourism;  companies are also subject to a fee,
which is set according to their category and location.  Tourist-guide activities are reserved for
Cameroonians.78
                                                     
77 The Council was created under Law 98/006 of 14 April 1998.  Decree No. 99/112 of 27 May 1999
established its organization and functions.  The Council is composed of representatives from the Governmentand the private sector.
78 Decree No. 99/443 of 25 March 1999 implementing the main Tourism Law.Cameroon WT/TPR/S/87
Page 67
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