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.”
