An unprecedented
competition has emerged among several freight and forwarding companies across
Europe to deliver goods and other services to The Gambia, as the New Year
approaches.
This development, according to company officials, is mainly due to the ‘‘smooth and effective operations’’ of the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA).
As revealed to The Point a few weeks ago, most of the companies now went further to point out that due to such performance, ‘‘other countries in the West Africa sub-region should emulate GRA for its efficient delivery system, as well as the ability to transact with less difficulty’’.
As a consequence of such proficiency, others are somewhat keener and additionally opined that ‘‘these days Gambia is leading in that respect and others should follow...’’
Some of the companies, such as Barrington Freight, which is described as one of the ‘‘best logistics’’ companies, including international transport, road, sea and air freight, is also mentioning its operational activity for Gambian customers.
It has been reiterated once again that customers are attracted mainly because of GRA’s ‘‘fix tariff’’, thus making known the ‘‘exact duty to both parties beforehand, consequently allowing both sender and receiver the aptitude to make decisions without any further delay.’’
This correspondent was also informed that there are other “places where scanners are not working properly or are intentionally disabled... But the technology we see in Gambia is so effective that we suggest others should learn from them, if they are willing to serve in the interest of national and international trade transactions.’’
Furthermore, other companies have emerged as far as the Gambian market is concerned.
Ellcworth Express now also provides ‘‘specialised shipping service’’ to several Africa countries, including The Gambia and Senegal.
In order to verify the significance of such enlargement, The Point saw communication revealing several transactions during the end of the year 2015, as well as a number of containers expected to reach the port of Banjul in the near future.
The Point can also confirm that both 20ft and 40ft containers and other centimetre base pallets meant for The Gambia are to be discounted during the period.
Assurances are also made known to customers that for the country, which is estimated to be less than 3000 miles from Europe, sea freight is expected to arrive in Banjul in less than a month.
Even though the country is portrayed as a ‘‘liberal, market-based economy... a fluctuating exchange rate’’, others stressed further that it has a ‘‘significant tourist industry’’.
Officials also anticipate that GRA’s management will maintain the ‘‘momentum and impetus’’ which is not only good for business but also ‘‘excellent for both parties.’’
