The October 2004 Presidential elections brought a new concept and enriched the political and economic vocabulary of Cameroonians with an expression which is today virtually a refrain in most conversations and public addresses.

However, unlike the case in similar circumstances in the past where such coinages have had a restricted usage, this new concept dubbed “Les Grandes Ambitions” became almost spontaneously popular with all shades of opinion across the national political and social spectrum.

This new political and economic concept– “Grandes Ambitions” or Greater Achievements, is predicated on the rationale that the Cameroonian nation has made commendable strides and recorded significant achievements under the 22-year stewardship of H.E. Paul BIYA as President of the Republic since November 1982. Under these circumstances, the international environment, the constraints of the 21 st century development objectives and the national political context of a new 7-year term of office warrant Cameroonians to aspire and lay claim to even Greater achievements or better, nourish “Grandes ambitions”.

Interestingly, far from being a mere political slogan or an exercise in theorising, the Head of State gave content and cited some of the major projects and endeavours that constitute the back-bone of this policy of greater achievements.

As was already the case during his end of year address to the nation in December 2003, the President of the Republic, once more, singled out CNIC’s Limbe Shipyard Project during his swearing address at the National Assembly, on 4 th November 2004, as a project that reflects his new political and economic vision for the country. In his own words, the Head of State declared :

« We have scientists, engineers and managers. Let us make use of them. The Limbe Shipyard... which needs to be developed serves as a good example.»