At a two-day high-level economic and investment forum currently underway at the Sir Dawda K.J International Conference Centre, Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow and Prime Minister Ousman Sonko made succinct presentations on the discourse.
The 2nd Edition of The Gambia-Senegal Economic, Trade, and Investment Forum, which commenced yesterday in Banjul, was designed to strengthen the bond of brotherhood, shared vision and unwavering commitment to further deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.
Organised by the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) and The Gambia High Commission in Dakar in collaboration with the Agence Nationale Pour LA Promotion Des Investissements et De Grands Travaux (APIX), the forum aims to strengthen and foster economic and regional integration as well as promote trade investment opportunities and strengthen people-to-people relations.
The theme for the forum is ‘Harmonization of a Friendlier Business Environment’ with focus on bilateral economic cooperation, trade and investment, joint infrastructure projects, special economic zones, made-in-the Gambia and Made-in-Senegal products, and a host of other aspects.
In his remarks, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousman Sonko underscored the unique relations between the two countries, lamenting that it is only differences in colonial rule that separate the two nations.
However, he affirmed that looking at the shared values, especially in historical, cultural and religious similarities, no one can separate the two countries.
The Senegalese PM underscored the importance of the forum, saying further seeks to reinforce the close ties between the two countries
He said divided by politics, the two countries can harness and exploit their vast resources turning challenges into opportunities.
The Senegalese PM also talked about areas the two countries can collaborate and exploit their vast resources citing the fields of land transport, river, agriculture, tourism and fisheries and other areas.
He also talked about harnessing cross-border as well as economic zones, saying it will be a win-win partnership that will generate benefits for both peoples.
PM Sonko maintained that Africans should know areas that would lead to their backwardness, reminding that working on the cooperation and collaborations should be on a day-to-day basis and not on a summit-to-summit.
Senegal, he said, will not move forward in terms of development and leaves The Gambia behind, affirming that the forum will further create avenues where the people of the two countries will unlock their resources to better the lives of their respective countries.
For his part, Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow acknowledged that the two countries are bound not only by geographical proximity but by a deep historical and cultural connection.
“Through forums like this, we reinforce our commitment to harnessing the strength of our partnership to unlock new opportunities for our citizens. Today, we celebrate a platform that brings together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and other key stakeholders to chart a path toward economic integration, trade promotion, and sustainable development,” he said.
The forum, he went on, serves as more than a symbol of unity; it is a practical mechanism to achieve shared goals including enhancement of trade and investment flows between The Gambia and Senegal by identifying synergies and removing barrier, implementation of the ECOWAS protocol on free movement, enabling seamless collaboration in commerce, infrastructure, and people-to-people exchanges and creating a framework for joint economic initiatives in critical areas such as energy, transport, agriculture, and digital innovation.
The vice president described the theme of the forum as “quite apt” in view of the fact that a conducive environment is the bedrock of sustainable economic growth. “And together, we aim to create policies and practices that will foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and cross-border collaboration using our state institutions,” he said.
The forum, he believes, will lead to stronger institutional cooperation between GiEPA and its counterpart APIX as state institutions responsible for the promotion of trade and investments.
In his welcome address, Ousainou Senghore, Chief Executive Officer GIEPA, said this 2nd edition of the Gambia-Senegal Economic, Trade and Investment Forum builds on the first one held last year in Dakar and marks a significant milestone in their shared journey towards enhanced cooperation, improved trade, and investment between the two vibrant nations of kith and kin.
He remarked: “As we gather under the theme ‘Harmonization of a Friendlier Business Environment’, we are not just celebrating the ties that bind us but are also laying the groundwork for a future filled with opportunities and coordinated priorities. The collaboration between the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GiEPA), the Senegalese Agency for the Promotion of Investments and Major Projects (APIX), and the Gambian Embassy in Dakar is a testament to our commitment to fostering a robust and collaborative strategy that will benefit our economies and our people.”
Senghore acknowledged that they’ve embarked on a journey focused on key areas of mutual interest: bilateral economic cooperation, trade and investment development, infrastructure projects, and the promotion of unique products - ‘Made-in-Gambia’ and ‘Made-in-Senegal.’
He expressed their resolve to continue exploring the vast potential within “our agricultural and fisheries sectors”, the promising realms of energy, oil, and gas, and the rich cultural tapestry that binds both nations through arts and tourism.
Bakary Sega Batchilly, Director General of APIX, Senegal, said that since the first forum held in Dakar, significant efforts had been made, adding GIEPA-APIX aim to bolster bilateral trade ties between the two countries.
The APIX DG maintained that the forum would help in creating jobs and trade ties, while harnessing the vast opportunities of the two countries.
He talked abut potentials in the oil, agriculture, energy, tourism and issues, saying by working together, the two countries can strengthen and exploit to the fullest their vast arable lands.
Hadrammeh Sidibeh, Gambia High Commissioner to Senegal, said the forum would significantly enhance trade and investment, foster cultural exchange and promote free movement of people and services across their borders.
He disclosed that the two countries have enjoyed not only unique geographical locations but also rich cultural and historical ties.
“It is upon this foundation that we seek to build a future of prosperity and mutual benefits for people of the two countries,” he said. “The enhancement of trade between The Gambia and Senegal is at the forefront of our agenda.”
“It will also expand trade and investment opportunities for businesses in both nations and facilitate a more robust business environment, bolstered by knowledge sharing and best practices.”
The event also included a presentation of historical background between The Gambia and Senegal by Hassoum Ceesay, director general of the National Centre for Arts and Culture.
The event was graced by cabinet ministers, senior government officials from both countries, business executives, and potential investors.
