Gambia, Cape Verde discuss trade, cooperation strategies

The visit was also designed to enable The Gambian team to learn from the challenges encountered as well as lesson learned during the procurement process.

The delegation comprised officials of Ministries of Transport, Finance, Trade, Public Service, the Gambia Civil Aviation Authority and National Road Authority.

This initiative is part of government’s vision to re-brand Destination Gambia into a sub-regional transport hub. To this end, government officials are tasked with engaging on a process to secure a private concessionaire to build, operate and maintain a modern airport terminal with all accompanying facilities.

This new policy is aimed at enhancing the socio-economic development of the Gambia by creating employment and re-positioning Destination Gambia as a global transport gateway to other countries, thereby reducing the cost of air travel.

On arrival in Praia, Cape Verde, the Gambian team met with several government officials including the Vice Prime Minister and Minister of Finance; Minister of Foreign affairs and regional integration; Minister of Tourism and Transport and other key stakeholders including the Cape Verde Civil Aviation Authority.

Firstly, the delegation was briefed on Cape Verde's procurement process and experience of securing a concessionaire (VINCI - biggest airport management company in the world).

The delegation also had sessions on trade facilitation, connectivity and regional integration through tourism and airline operations.

Similarly, the Cape Verdean authorities also expressed interest in studying the Gambian Port concession process and establishment of an economic cooperation agreement between the two countries.

Key takeaways of this fruitful study visit include the two countries agreeing to partner on a range of issues which includes;

1. Further collaboration on aviation and maritime connectivity to promote Inter-Africa trade, tourism and regional integration at the level of ECOWAS.
2. The Gambian delegation also visited a fully operational basalt quarry with new equipment and capacity to produce 4800 tons per day. The delegation was informed that plans are advanced for Cape Verde to supply Gambia with 60,000 tons per month. The first shipment is expected to reach Banjul by end of the month. This will help to secure the supply of basalt in the Gambia and provide a competitive environment thereby reducing cost for consumers.