Nigerian investors eye Gambia market
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
As part of series of ongoing activities meant to boost investment in The Gambia, the Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) and the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) Monday held a one-day briefing for members of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) at the Sheraton Hotel.
The 10-member MAN delegation is in the country on an investment mission with the theme “Harnessing Investment Opportunities in The Gambia”. Their visit followed a similar one by a group of Indian investors in the country. During their stay in the country the Nigerian investors are expected to explore business investment-related opportunities in the country through interacting with their Gambian counterparts especially those in the private sector.
The MAN business briefing was presided over by Naffie Barry, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, on behalf of her minister.
Speaking at the occasion, PS Barry noted that the Nigerian investors came to The Gambia to reinforce the commitment of both countries to the development of the private sector, which serves as an engine of economic growth. She said their coming is another step meant to strengthen the existing bilateral cooperation between the two countries as well as further strengthen the stand and policies of the African Union (AU) and the Ecowas protocol on regional integration.
PS Barry also expressed delight and appreciation at the theme of the investment mission and urged both parties to make best use of the opportunities availed to them. She finally urged the Nigerian investors to explore business investment opportunities and conducive environment created by the government of The Gambia under President Jammeh.
Fatou Jallow, the chief executive officer of GIEPA gave a detailed overview of MAN’s visit to The Gambia, which according to her, came as a result of an earlier visit made [to Nigeria] in 2010 by officials of the then GIPFZA. She added that the investment promotion agency is committed to not only attracting investors into the country, but to also promote trade as a tool meant to achieve the spirit of regional integration and connecting countries of the globe.
Bai Matarr Drammeh, the president of GCCI extended a warm welcome to the Nigerian investors and urged them to explore investment opportunities in The Gambia. He spoke extensively on the importance of partnership in the development of the private sector, which he described as an engine of economic growth. The GCCI president also highlighted what he called the conducive business investment environment created by the Gambia government.
For her part, Her Excellency Mrs Esther Audu, the Nigeria high commissioner to The Gambia said she was grateful and honoured for being availed the opportunity to attend such an important initiative between the two countries. She described the event as timely, considering the realities revolving in the world of business, especially investment-related issues across the globe and the West African sub-region in particular.
The Nigerian high commissioner opined that The Gambia has a lot to offer for the development of her economy. She cited different raw materials available in the country, which she said could be used and processed to meet the development needs of the country. She further cited the country’s fishing industry, among others, which she said could be tapped, processed and exported in huge quantities.
High Commissioner Audu stated that The Gambia and the sub-region need spend heavily in importing goods and services that are tenable within the region. She added that Nigeria can supply some of the basic needs of The Gambia’s import industry as far as production of light industry products is concerned.
Mohamed Lamin Sillah of Sankung Sillah and Sons. Company, who doubles as president of the Gambia Manufacturers Association (GMA) delivered the vote of thanks.
The 10-member MAN delegation is in the country on an investment mission with the theme “Harnessing Investment Opportunities in The Gambia”. Their visit followed a similar one by a group of Indian investors in the country. During their stay in the country the Nigerian investors are expected to explore business investment-related opportunities in the country through interacting with their Gambian counterparts especially those in the private sector.
The MAN business briefing was presided over by Naffie Barry, permanent secretary at the Ministry of Trade, Regional Integration and Employment, on behalf of her minister.
Speaking at the occasion, PS Barry noted that the Nigerian investors came to The Gambia to reinforce the commitment of both countries to the development of the private sector, which serves as an engine of economic growth. She said their coming is another step meant to strengthen the existing bilateral cooperation between the two countries as well as further strengthen the stand and policies of the African Union (AU) and the Ecowas protocol on regional integration.
PS Barry also expressed delight and appreciation at the theme of the investment mission and urged both parties to make best use of the opportunities availed to them. She finally urged the Nigerian investors to explore business investment opportunities and conducive environment created by the government of The Gambia under President Jammeh.
Fatou Jallow, the chief executive officer of GIEPA gave a detailed overview of MAN’s visit to The Gambia, which according to her, came as a result of an earlier visit made [to Nigeria] in 2010 by officials of the then GIPFZA. She added that the investment promotion agency is committed to not only attracting investors into the country, but to also promote trade as a tool meant to achieve the spirit of regional integration and connecting countries of the globe.
Bai Matarr Drammeh, the president of GCCI extended a warm welcome to the Nigerian investors and urged them to explore investment opportunities in The Gambia. He spoke extensively on the importance of partnership in the development of the private sector, which he described as an engine of economic growth. The GCCI president also highlighted what he called the conducive business investment environment created by the Gambia government.
For her part, Her Excellency Mrs Esther Audu, the Nigeria high commissioner to The Gambia said she was grateful and honoured for being availed the opportunity to attend such an important initiative between the two countries. She described the event as timely, considering the realities revolving in the world of business, especially investment-related issues across the globe and the West African sub-region in particular.
The Nigerian high commissioner opined that The Gambia has a lot to offer for the development of her economy. She cited different raw materials available in the country, which she said could be used and processed to meet the development needs of the country. She further cited the country’s fishing industry, among others, which she said could be tapped, processed and exported in huge quantities.
High Commissioner Audu stated that The Gambia and the sub-region need spend heavily in importing goods and services that are tenable within the region. She added that Nigeria can supply some of the basic needs of The Gambia’s import industry as far as production of light industry products is concerned.
Mohamed Lamin Sillah of Sankung Sillah and Sons. Company, who doubles as president of the Gambia Manufacturers Association (GMA) delivered the vote of thanks.