His
Excellency President Adama Barrow has expressed optimism in the investment
potential of French investors who visited him at his Fajara State Office.
The
President called on French investors to seize the opportunity to expand their
businesses into The Gambia.
He
said the cordial relationship between Senegal and The Gambia has made it
favourable for French investors to take a sub-regional approach to invest in
The Gambia.
President
Barrow recognised the support France gave through the European Union to end the
political impasse in the country.
He
appreciated the commitment the French demonstrated since his visit to France
last March, which was followed by several consultations that led to the visit
by the French business community to the country.
He
reiterated the importance of mechanized farming as one of the priority areas to
ensure food security.
The
visiting French business community will explore the possibilities to invest in
agriculture, in particular cultivation of fruits and vegetables, processing and
marketing, shipping, fisheries, the cement industry among others.
In
chairing the meeting, the Minister of Tourism and Culture, Hon. Hamat Bah,
called on the investors to consider the aviation industry and explore its
opportunities as well as consider Air France coming to The Gambia.
He
thanked those who took the initiative to visit rural Gambia to familiarize
themselves with the country they intend to invest.
The
permanent secretary for Investment, Office of the President, Mr Yankuba Saidy,
briefed the potential French investors on the requirements for investment in
the country.
The
French Ambassador to Dakar, H.E. Excellency, Christopher Bigot and the French
Permanent Representative in The Gambia…led the potential French investors based
in Dakar to the presidency.
A
Gambian businessman, Charbel Elhage, expressed appreciation with President
Barrow for calling on private sector involvement to build the New Gambia.
He
said they must be seen to be doing so and make The Gambia a model for other
countries.
Public
Private Partnership (PPP) is also being given consideration amongst the French
Investors.
The
team also included a French trade adviser and the French Trade Commission in Senegal
to encourage business in The Gambia.
The
visiting team will continue to consult with the other relevant partner
institutions in government and in the private sector for more technical issues
on investment.
Source:
Office of The President
