The Ambassador of the republic of China on Taiwan, H.E. Samuel Chen, on Thursday presented a cheque for US$38,4963, which is equivalent to D92.5 million, to The Government of The Gambia on behalf of his government.
Presented at the Office of the Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service at State House in Banjul, the money is meant for the procurement of vehicles for the various government departments with a view to enhancing mobility.
In presenting the cheque, Ambassador Chen said the donation was very important to the bilateral relations between the two countries.
He added that the move would profoundly help to improve and increase mobility in the discharge of government affairs, particularly in its efforts at implementing the Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE), as well as in its decentralization process.
“It would really reflect on the policies of the government in terms of the PAGE implementation, and the presentation of this amount would be relevant to the government as well as to the local people at the grassroots level,” Ambassador Chen noted.
In receiving the cheque, Dr Njogu Bah, Secretary General and Head of the Civil Service, on behalf of the Gambian government, demonstrated the country’s appreciation by deeply thanking Taiwan and Ambassador Chen for the “huge” amount of money donated to the country.
The presentation of this amount could not have come at a better time than now, he said, adding: “Mobility would be very instrumental in terms of the implementation of PAGE programs and we highly welcome your office’s involvement and we want to thank you on behalf of the President for this good gesture.”
He described Taiwan as a true and real friend of the Government of The Gambia and her people.
He said both countries believe in the core values of mutual trust and respect while assuring Taiwan of The Gambia’s full support.
Dr Bah promised Ambassador Chen and his government that the vehicles, when purchased, will be well taken care of to enable them serve long in the discharge of government’s affairs.
Ramou Cole-Ceesay, acting-secretary to the Cabinet - Office of the President, chaired the ceremony.
The Taiwanese envoy was accompanied to State House by Tom Lee, Charge d’ Affairs at the Taiwanese embassy in The Gambia.
