‘Information sharing is key to trade facilitation’ - Finance PS

Permanent Secretary Lamin Camara of the Ministry of Finance and Economic Affairs (MOFEA) has told Senegalese and Gambian customs experts in a meeting underway in Banjul that “information sharing is key element that enhances trade facilitation and increases revenue collection, which is critical in customs job as revenue collectors”.

PS Camara made this statement while delivering a speech on behalf of the minister of Finance and Economic Affairs at the opening of the 8th Bilateral Meeting between the Senegal Customs Administration and the Gambia Revenue Authority held at the Coco Ocean Hotel on 25 July 2016.

Mr Camara said the two governments attach great significance to the meeting, and “in view of that we have a moral duty to treat all the topics under discussion with professionalism and fairness as a way of deepening ties and by extension strengthening peace and security in our region”. 

He added: “As we all know, revenue collection is hugely dependent on peace and stability, which will boost trade and employment for our people.

“This is why it is important as customs and revenue administration to share and willingly complement efforts through regular consultations and networking among us.

“This occasion is therefore a rare privilege and opportunity which when put into proper perspective, will provide the basis for the sub-region’s unity and economic prosperity for our people.”

When there is an improved relations and mutual understanding between the two revenue bodies, PS Camara noted, business and trade facilitation is enhanced and the socio-economic benefits become far-reaching.

“This will, in a very significant way encourage foreign direct investors to come and invest in our respective countries, thus creating more job opportunities for the young people and will beef up the peace and stability for the two countries which will translate into greater development,” he said.

According to customs experts, the 8th bilateral meeting would provide the opportunity to re-establish a “common will to reinforce the friendly relations of brotherhood and solidarity that link both our peoples, which is a token of a fruitful operation”.

Mr Camara added: “It is noted that the exchange and sharing of information should also be considered as an important item of this joint management of our borders through the interconnection of both our information systems.”