The relevance and advantages of enhancing economic and trade integration between the two bordering countries have been underlined by the vice president and prime minister of Senegal and the Gambia.
At the Sir Dawda K.J International Conference Centre, a two-day high-level economic and investment forum featured succinct presentations by Vice President Muhammed BS Jallow and Prime Minister Ousman Sonko on the subject.
The 2nd Edition of The Gambia-Senegal Economic, Trade, and Investment Forum commenced yesterday in Banjul, with the goal of strengthening the bond of brotherhood, fostering a shared vision, and demonstrating a steadfast commitment to deepening bilateral relations between the two countries.
The forum, 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), aims to enhance economic and regional integration, promote trade investment opportunities, and strengthen interpersonal relations.
The forum’s theme is ‘Harmonization of a Friendlier Business Environment,’ highlighting bilateral economic cooperation, trade and investment, joint infrastructure projects, special economic zones, and products produced in The Gambia and Senegal, along with other significant elements.
In his remarks, Senegal’s Prime Minister Ousman Sonko emphasised the unique bond between the two countries, lamenting that the only barriers separating them are the differences stemming from colonial rule.
He stressed that when reflecting on the common values, especially regarding historical, cultural, and religious parallels, it is unfeasible to distinguish between the two nations.
The Senegalese Prime Minister highlighted the importance of the forum, noting that it seeks to enhance the robust relationship between the two countries.
He expressed that through political division, the two countries can harness and make use of their plentiful resources, turning challenges into opportunities.
The Prime Minister of Senegal engaged in discussions regarding possible collaboration between the two nations, emphasising the potential to utilise their rich resources in land transport, river navigation, agriculture, tourism, fisheries, and beyond.
He also addressed the potential of utilising cross-border initiatives and economic zones, highlighting that it would foster a mutually beneficial partnership that would bring advantages to both communities.
PM Sonko highlighted the necessity for Africans to acknowledge elements that may obstruct their advancement, underscoring that cooperation and collaboration should be actively sought on a continual basis, not just during summits.
He expressed that Senegal cannot advance in development if it neglects The Gambia, highlighting that the forum will generate opportunities for the citizens of both nations to utilise their resources and enhance the quality of life in their countries.
Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow acknowledged that the two nations are connected not only by their geographical proximity but also by a deep historical and cultural relationship.
“By engaging in forums like this, we enhance our commitment to harnessing the strength of our collaboration to generate new opportunities for our citizens.” Today, we celebrate a platform that brings together policymakers, investors, entrepreneurs, and other vital stakeholders to create a pathway for economic integration, trade promotion, and sustainable development,” he stated.
The forum, he continued, serves not only as a symbol of unity but also as a practical instrument for achieving shared goals. It aims to enhance trade and investment flows between The Gambia and Senegal by pinpointing synergies and removing obstacles, executing the ECOWAS protocol on free movement, promoting seamless cooperation in commerce, infrastructure, and personal interactions, and creating a framework for collaborative economic initiatives in crucial areas such as energy, transport, agriculture, and digital innovation.
The vice president described the theme of the forum as “very fitting,” noting that a supportive environment is essential for sustainable economic growth. “We aim to create policies and practices that foster entrepreneurship, innovation, and cross-border collaboration via our state institutions,” he stated.
He is confident that the forum will enhance institutional collaboration between GiEPA and its counterpart APIX, as both are government entities dedicated to advancing trade and investments.
During his welcome address, Ousainou Senghore, Chief Executive Officer of GIEPA, emphasised that this second edition of the Gambia-Senegal Economic, Trade and Investment Forum builds on the inaugural event held last year in Dakar and marks a significant milestone in their shared journey towards improved cooperation, increased trade, and investment between the two closely linked nations.
He remarked: “As we gather under the theme ‘Harmonization of a Friendlier Business Environment’, we are not just celebrating the connections that unite us but also laying the groundwork for a future abundant with opportunities and shared 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 showcases our commitment to fostering a robust and collaborative strategy aimed at strengthening our economies and benefiting our communities.
Senghore acknowledged that they have embarked on a journey focused on significant areas of mutual interest: bilateral economic cooperation, the growth of trade and investment, infrastructure projects, and the promotion of unique products – ‘Made-in-Gambia’ and ‘Made-in-Senegal.’
He expressed their resolve to continue exploring the vast opportunities within ‘our agricultural and fisheries sectors’, the promising areas of energy, oil and gas, and the rich cultural tapestry that links both nations through arts and tourism.
Bakary Sega Batchilly, Director General of APIX, Senegal, remarked that since the first forum in Dakar, significant efforts have been made, highlighting that GIEPA-APIX aims to enhance bilateral trade relations between the two countries.
The APIX DG stated that the forum would aid in job creation and enhance trade relations, while capitalising on the plentiful opportunities available between the two nations.
He explored the opportunities in oil, agriculture, energy, tourism, and other matters, asserting that through collaboration, the two nations can improve and fully leverage their vast arable lands.
Hadrammeh Sidibeh, the Gambia High Commissioner to Senegal, expressed that the forum would significantly enhance trade and investment, promote cultural exchange, and ease the movement of people and services across their borders.
He disclosed that the two nations have gained advantages from their unique geographical locations as well as their rich cultural and historical ties.
“He stated, ‘We aim to build a future of prosperity and mutual benefits for the people of both countries on this foundation.’” “Enhancing trade relations between The Gambia and Senegal is a key focus for us.”
“This will further improve trade and investment opportunities for businesses in both nations and foster a more robust business environment, bolstered by the sharing of knowledge and best practices.”
The event included a presentation on the historical relationship between The Gambia and Senegal, presented by Hassoum Ceesay, the director general of the National Centre for Arts and Culture.
The event saw participation from cabinet ministers, high-ranking government officials from both countries, business leaders, and potential investors.
