By Zainab Jobarteh
In a bid to enhance employment opportunities for Gambians and further economic development, the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE) has been actively seeking partnerships both locally and internationally. Following the recent 13th Cabinet session, Dr. Ismaila Ceesay, the Minister of Information, revealed to journalists important developments discussed during the session.
Key among the announcements was the presentation of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Labour Cooperation between The Gambia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This landmark agreement aims to provide regular pathways for both skilled and unskilled Gambian workers to seek employment opportunities in the UAE.
Dr. Ceesay emphasised the importance of this initiative, highlighting the potential for Gambians to contribute to national development by sending remittances back home.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to create employment avenues domestically, stating that the President recently launched the National Employment Policy 2022-2026, with an ambitious target of generating 150,000 jobs for Gambians.
‘‘In line with this vision, MoTIE has been collaborating with various stakeholders, including the private sector and donor partners, to create sustainable employment opportunities for Gambians,’’ he informed.
In another development, Dr. Ceesay revealed that Hon. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment presented a proposal to Cabinet regarding the upcoming two-day investment forum.
Jointly organised by the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) and the International Centre for Development of Trade (ICDT), the forum, Minister Ceesay explained, seeks to showcase the investment potential of The Gambia.
The forum is scheduled to take place as part of the OIC summit from 2nd to 3rd May, 2024. It aims to attract foreign direct investment by highlighting the country’s diverse opportunities across various sectors.
As The Gambia continues its journey towards economic prosperity and job creation, these initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to fostering growth, both at home and abroad.
