“To keep me abreast of developments, His Excellency, the Vice President, Mr. Muhammad B.S. Jallow, and Mr. Baboucarr Joof, the Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MoTIE), give me regular briefings on the Council’s engagements,” he told the gathering.
The president affirmed that the meeting provided him an opportunity to express appreciation of the tremendous work that Council has been undertaking to promote suitable policies and strategies on national economic development. “In this regard, I particularly acknowledge the useful role played by the private sector in the Council’s work and progress.”
“As a nation, we owe the private sector a huge debt of gratitude, in view of its contribution to nation building through investment, job creation, and tax payment to fund government programmes.”
“I reassure you all that the Government will do everything within its powers to ensure that the necessary conditions are created for the sector to grow and thrive,” the President reaffirmed.
“As you know, the Business Council was established on the understanding that: “… private sector-driven economic growth is a viable development model for The Gambia, and that a dynamic private sector requires a strong enabling environment and the removal of obstacles to trade and investment.”
“To realise this, the Council has to provide the required technical advisory support for the conception and implementation of the national economic reform agenda. Furthermore, the Council needs to effectively coordinate and monitor the implementation of the identified reforms.”
“Fittingly related to this, establishing a thriving and robust private sector underpins Pillar III, on Macroeconomic Stability and Inclusive Growth, of the National Development Plan -YIRIWA (2023-2027) launched yesterday. The Pillar aims to achieve inclusive growth and reduce poverty through manufacturing, employment creation, and trade facilitation. This is a formidable task, but it is attainable.”
