The Gambia Association of Professional Photographers (GAPP) has applauded the Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia for what the association calls his great efforts in strengthening Banjul-Taipei ties.
In a statement issued through its President, Dawda Bayo of GAPP said that ever since he arrived in the country, the chief Taiwanese diplomat has been doing extremely well for the country.
‘‘Since the arrival of Ambassador Chen, hardly a month would pass by without him (Chen) supporting the development of this country, either by laying a foundation stone for a project, inauguration of a Taiwanese sponsored project or presenting a cheque to The Gambia Government,’’ it said.
GAPP’s President recounted the numerous interventions of Taiwan to the socio-economic development of the country.
He cited the recent presentation of cheque, meant for the procurement of engines for the Banjul–Barra ferries, inauguration of a forensic laboratory at the Police Headquarters, construction of Police staff quarters in Banjul, fuel depot at Army Barracks, payment of the university fees of the Gambian doctors in Ghana, provision of transports and computers to the UTG, etc.
GAPP’s President said he is personally a beneficiary of Ambassador Chen’s benevolence as he is currently studying a three-month Basic Chinese Language course at the Taiwanese Culture Centre, which he said, was established by Chen.
“Mr. Chen is a strong promoter of culture and for him to establish the first Taiwan Culture Centre in the country for interested people to learn Chinese language is a step in the right direction,” he said.
According to him, Taiwan has ever been a good friend of The Gambia as far back as in the first republic.
“Taiwan was the first Asian country to recognise The Gambia’s independence and also they sent in an agricultural expert in the person of the late Mr. Frank D.Lee in 1966, who was the main pioneer in directing technical team in developing our irrigation system in CRR,” said Bayo.
He commended the government and people of Taiwan for their continuous support to The Gambia’s development endeavours.
