The workshop was opened by the Assistant Director of Regional and International Trade Relations and the WTO's Focal Point in the Ministry of Trade, Mr Emmanuel Mbarga, who welcomed the participation of colleagues from various ministries, including the ministries of trade, customs, health, agriculture, environment, mines and industries. Mr Mbarga highlighted the importance of ensuring that information is disseminated among various administrations as well as the private sector, civil society and the academic sector. He said that the Reference Centre would play a critical role in this regard.

Cameroon's Minister of Commerce, Mr Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana, met with the WTO officials and expressed his appreciation for the upgrading of the Centre. He said that this had come at an opportune time as Cameroon wanted to raise public awareness of the WTO and to increase the involvement of the private sector in trade issues. He stressed his commitment to ensuring the sustainability of the Reference Centre, including through ensuring that a budget will be allocated towards maintaining the equipment and financing the smooth running of the Centre.