President Barrow Chairs 8th National Business Council Meeting

By Mariama Dem

President Adama Barrow presided over the Gambia’s 8th National Business Council Meeting on Saturday, February 10th at the State House. This marked his inaugural attendance since the Council’s inception.

The meeting convened top government officials, including ministers, alongside members of the private sector, led by the President of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Edrissa Mass Jobe. Its objective was to deliberate critical issues affecting the business landscape and strategise on effective solutions.

In his address, President Barrow reaffirmed his government’s commitment to engaging in regular dialogues with the private sector to tackle concerns regarding the business environment, reforms, and private sector development in The Gambia. He expressed appreciation for the private sector’s contributions to national growth through investment, job creation, and tax compliance.

President Barrow stressed the imperative of fostering an enabling environment for the private sector’s prosperity, emphasising the necessity to address critical issues such as ease of business initiation and operation, business cost management, access to finance, land availability for investment, infrastructure enhancement, and broadband accessibility.

Moreover, the Gambian leader highlighted plans for implementing the West African Regional Integration Programme to enhance financial and payment systems in alignment with the government’s digitalisation agenda. He underscored intentions to upgrade the Port of Banjul and construct a new port in Sanyang to bolster trade and investment facilitation.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead, President Barrow remained optimistic about achieving inclusive growth and poverty reduction through collaborative efforts with the private sector. He assured participants of his government’s commitment to closely collaborate in implementing the National Development Plan and overcoming obstacles impeding private sector development.

Encouraging stakeholders to seize the opportunity, President Barrow urged collective action towards fostering sustainable economic growth and development in The Gambia.

President of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Edrissa Mass Jobe, elucidating on the meeting’s outcomes, expressed satisfaction that the government acknowledged raised concerns and pledged action before the next council gathering. Among the key discussions were “constructive regulations,” advocating regulatory authorities to assist businesses in meeting state requirements, considering that many entrepreneurs may lack experience and financial resources.

The Business Council meeting provided a constructive platform for deliberating on business challenges and opportunities, aiming to enhance private sector engagement in the national economy.