By Mariatou Ngum
The Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, Hon. Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof last week visited the board members of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) at their office in Bijilo.
Minister Joof was welcomed on arrival by the president, the Chief Executive Officer and board members of the GCCI. He had a fruitful discussion with the GCCI board members on contemporary issues in the business environment, the recent development between The Gambia and Senegal and trade across the borders, as well as collaboration between the government and the private sector.
Speaking to the press at the end of his visit, Minister Joof expressed delight for the opportunity given to him by the board. He said his visit was meant to touch base with the leadership of the GCCI, as they are the representatives of the private sector in this country and as vital partners with his Ministry.
The President of the GCCI, Edrissa Mass Joof thanked the Honourable Minister for the visit, and affirmed that their discussion touched on a number of issues including those that impact the private sector, and industrialisation. He pointed out the fact that The Gambia’s trade with other countries in Africa is all done by land, despite the country being surrounded by Senegal. Thus, the GCCI president pointed out, The Gambia cannot effectively partake in international African trade without having good relationship with Senegal.
Therefore, he said they are encouraged by the visit of the minister, current visit of the Vice President to Senegal, and the mission of the two presidents.
Mr Edrissa Mass Joof further affirmed that during their discussions, they also raised the issues concerning business, the constraints at the borders, but overall, the recognition that they have to respect the protocols that they have signed within the ECOWAS and the Africa Continental Free Trade.
