The Daily Observer (Banjul)
Sheriff Janko and Fatou Sowe
17 November 2009
In a move to explore the business opportunities between The Gambia and Taiwan, The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), yesterday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese International Economic Cooperation Association (CIECA), at the first ever Taiwan-Gambia joint business council meeting held at Jerma Beach Hotel.
This new MoU covered wide range of sectors as both officials expressed optimism that it will further expand and open up business possibilities between the two countries; thus bringing the two markets together. However, the new deal came at a time when a 15-man Taiwanese business delegation are currently taking part in the ongoing 4th GCCI organised Trade Fair, which opened on Saturday, 14th November 2009 at the Independence Stadium in Bakau.
Speaking at the ceremony, Bai Matarr Drammeh, the president of GCCI, who signed on behalf of the chamber, described the occasion as historic, marking the first ever joint business council meeting between Banjul and the Asian Pacific Island state. The objectives of the MoU Drammeh stated, is to bring the two countries together and as well as promote trade linkage with other countries in the region.
Drammeh commended the Taiwanese Ambassador to The Gambia, HE Richard Shih, for his dedication towards the GambiaÂ's development initiatives. The Taiwanese delegation, Drammeh maintained are purposely here to do active business with their Gambian counterparts, adding that it is a pride for GCCI to do business with their Taiwanese counterparts. For his part, MIke Hung, the chairman of the Taiwan Africa Industry Development, who also signed on behalf his institution, expressed gratitude to GCCI for organising the trade fair.
He added that Taiwan is ready to explore the business opportunities in The Gambia adding that this new deal will further strengthen the bilateral relationship that exists between the two countries. Â"I hope this meeting opens doors for active business in both countries,Â" he said, while commeding the Taiwanese ambassador to The Gambia for his dedication.
Mam Cherno Jallow, the chief executive officer of GCCI, in his presentation on the theme Current macro economy in The Gambia, reveales to the visiting delegation that agriculture employs about 70% of the countryÂ's population and contributes 33% of the Gambia GDP.
Jallow spoke at length about the business opportunities Taiwanese can find in the country adding that the service sector of the country is growing very fast.
Richard Shih, the Taiwanese Ambassador to the Gambia, expressed delight about the first Taiwan-Gambia joint business council meeting. He commended GCCI and their Taiwanese counterparts for this effort adding that this MoU will further strengthen the bilateral relation between Banjul and Taipei.
The GambiaÂ's political stability coupled with its economic prosperity according to Ambassador Shih, makes the country an ideal place for business exploration, while urging the Taiwanese delegation to interact with their Gambian counterparts for the development of the two countries. Mawdo Juwara, The GambiaÂ's ambassador to Taiwan, thanked GCCI for organising the ongoing trade fair and thanked the Taiwanese delegation for their participation.
This, Juwara observed, will further strengthen the bilateral relationship between Banjul and Taipei, adding that it will further bring the two markets together for active business partnership. Kebba NJie, chief executive officer of GIPFZA, also made a power point presentatiomn on Â'Potential trade and investment sectors in The GambiaÂ'.
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