Trade unions are very vital in the development of any economy. They are one of the fundamental agents that constructively engage the government to not only provide sound economic friendly policies, but also to create the enabling economic environment, bargain to achieve the collective interest of workers and as well as push their agenda forward.

Putting the various trade unions in the country under a single umbrella body- National Bureau of Trade Unions- is therefore a significant move, considering the gigantic stride that the country has taken in national economic development.

The massive investment in industrialisation and the proliferation of economic organisations in the country are clear evidences that the current leadership has provided the necessary enabling environment for economic advancement in all aspects.

Moreover, considering the tremendous success the country is registering in the field of development, such an umbrella trade union body is vital to ensure and to promote capacity building, skill training and educate its members so that they can collectively become part of the national development process.

As the minister for Trade remarked at the inauguration ceremony, The Gambia government, through the ministry has been working closely with labour organizations in the country in order to move the country's agenda forward as partners.

The government is cognisant of the crucial role trade unions have to play for the achievement of their development objectives and as indicated in the Vision 2020, the transformation of the country will be sustained by a well-educated, trained, skilled and enterprising population.

The inaugration of the National Beureau of Trade Unions is therefore siginificant not only in terms of forstering our economic drive but will also put an end to the ever depening sense of division among trade unions in the country.

Trade unions must have a common purpose and their strength lies in unity. It is duty-bound for the trade unions themselves to ensure that they have a positive sense of purpose and direction; orient members to that respect and as well take centre stage in the ongoing national development process.

We are optimistic that with the inauguration of an umberella body for trade unions in the country, much efforts will be directed towards capacity building on the part of members; such will enable them to become active actors and take the course of national development into their own hands.

From all indications, the government has gone far in its quest for economic advancement; much has been injected in society to facilitate overall societal growth and progress. Complemening the efforts of the status quo in that respect is fundamental and trade unions are vital to that effect as they are often the institutions people look up to in the development process.