The governments of The Gambia and Pakistan have signed a memorandum of understanding aimed at strengthening agricultural trade, improving rice supplies and creating new export opportunities for Gambian businesses.
The agreement, signed on July 20, 2026, at the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment in Banjul, establishes a government-to-government framework for agricultural trade between the two countries.
In a statement, the ministry said the memorandum is intended to create a transparent and reliable mechanism for the supply of rice and other agricultural commodities from Pakistan to The Gambia.
It will also facilitate the export of Gambian products to Pakistan and other international markets through the Trading Corporation of Pakistan (TCP).
According to the ministry, the agreement provides a platform for both governments to identify additional products of mutual interest, strengthen institutional cooperation, exchange market information and explore potential investment opportunities.
Officials said Pakistan’s position as a major producer and exporter of rice and other agricultural and industrial commodities could help The Gambia maintain a reliable supply of rice and stabilise prices in the domestic market.
The ministry described stable rice supplies and affordable prices as important components of the government’s long-term food security strategy.
Beyond rice imports, the agreement is expected to provide Gambian exporters with greater access to international trading networks through the TCP.
Gambian importers and exporters interested in benefiting from the arrangement have been encouraged to engage with the Trading Corporation of Pakistan and contact the Ministry of Trade for guidance and facilitation.
The government said it remains committed to building strategic international partnerships that promote economic development, protect consumers and strengthen national food security through diversified and dependable supply chains.
