The
government of President Adama Barrow has signed a US$50 million project grant
agreement with the Chinese government through its embassy in Banjul.
The
project is for the construction of an International Conference Center in The
Gambia by the Chinese as their first major engagement in The Gambia since
resumption of diplomatic ties between the two countries in March 2016.
According
to a press release from the State House in Banjul, the signing ceremony was
witnessed by President Barrow.
The
US$50 million-project agreement was signed by the minister of Foreign Affairs,
International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Honourable Ousainou Darboe, on
behalf of The Gambia government, and the Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia,
Zhang Jiming, for his government.
Shortly
after the signing, President Barrow thanked the Chinese government for the
confidence it has in the New Gambia.
The
Gambian leader assured China of his government’s support to the One China
policy.
He
also told the Chinese diplomats that his government also gives priority to
energy, farming and healthcare, among others.
Chinese
Ambassador Jiming said the construction of the $50 million International
Conference Centre project would last for two years.
Upon
completion, he said, the conference centre would be another monumental symbol
of the China-Gambia bilateral relations similar to that of the Independent
Stadium built in Bakau in the 1980s. He
said the centre would provide employment and boost tourism.
The
minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad,
Honourable Ousainou Darboe, applauded the support China continues to provide to
The Gambia and cited the scholarship scheme the Gambian students benefit from.
