Geovic Mining (fka GVCM)

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US Under-Secretary Carson Wants More US Investment In Cameroon

Jun 28, 2011 03:40:13 (ET)

YAOUNDE, Cameroon (Dow Jones)--Visiting U.S. diplomat Johnnie Carson has told Cameroon President Paul Biya Monday to make it easier for U.S. companies to invest in the West African nation.

His declaration comes as a surge of U.S. mining firms have begun operating in Cameroon, particularly Colorado-based Geovic Corp Inc. (GVCM), which has just acquired approval to exploit cobalt, nickel and manganese deposits.

Several U.S. diplomats and officials have complained about red tape hampering the business atmosphere in the country.

"We talked about the economy, about the desire that we have in the U.S. to encourage more American businesses and companies to invest in this country," Carson said after meeting with Biya.

Carson is the Assistant U.S. Secretary of State for the Bureau of African Affairs.

Following his visit to Cameroon, Carson will head to neighboring Equatorial Guinea for the African Union summit.

"Ambassador Carson...encouraged the Government of Cameroon to take all appropriate steps necessary to ensure the 2011 presidential and 2012 parliamentary and local elections are free, fair, open and transparent," a statement issued by Richard Johannsen, U.S. Embassy Spokesperson, said.

"Ambassador Carson urged the Government of Cameroon to make sure governmental authorities allow Cameroon's citizens to participate in open public discussions about all issues of interest to the voters," the statement said.

-By Emmanuel Tumanjong, contributing for Dow Jones Newswires; [phone], [phone]; [e-mail]