In dispatch over the issue, the association expressed how trouble and disappointed they were by the Ministry that they believe should protect small scale business entities and enhance private sector development but chose a policy that “killed businesses” and sent thousands of people out of job.
Below reads an excerpt from the release:
We are deeply troubled and disappointed yet, by the Honorable Minister of Trade over his reaction on the current cement crisis which overwhelmingly affected the entire country.
It’s unfortunate and greatly frustrating hearing the country’s Minister of Trade expressing no regret over an unjustifiable and illegal increment of tariff against cement importers which led to the current crisis affecting the entire populace with devastating impact on the livelihood of many.
The very Ministry that should protect small scale business entities and enhance private sector development has blatantly designed a policy that killed businesses and sent thousands of people out of job unbated without genuine basis.
It’s not only disturbing seeing the Trade Minister unjustifiably violating the Ecowas treaty on free movement of goods and services but, his dangerous remarks featured on the Standard that clearly undermined The Gambia’s NDP drive on private sector partnership and growth.
Since this policy came into being against cement Importers, not only did we realized that the Minister is citing with so-called cement factories which in reality are re-baggers but, his remarks always undermine his stance as a public officer whose primary role should always gear towards serving the entire population at all cost without fear or favor.
What’s the difference between importing Cement from either Turkey or Egypt and importing from Soccocim and Dangote from Senegal as Cement Importers always do? Obviously, there is no difference and the basis for the preferential treatment accorded is seemingly not based on national interest rather, it seems to be an egocentric moved meant to satisfy ego, killed competition and deepen poverty in the country.
We demand that the President take immediate actions to restore the initial tariff as his Minister of Trade’s position is untenable and conflicted to deal with situation due to his misguided remarks during his Standard’s interview.
We hold the view that the cement crisis will increased the vulnerability of our economy through possible inflation spiral and will further erodes the purchasing power of already struggling consumers.
It’s laughing and truly dramatic that a trade deficit country can bring such malicious trade barrier in the name of empowering few at the detriment of majority of citizens.
While we believe it’s unacceptable and utterly wrong to increase tariff against us, we equally found it disturbing seeing the very Ministry that should enhance competition and fair play within the market is bent on establishing an oligopoly system geared towards serving the interest of few.
