The Gambia Government through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad received information technology and office equipment worth over D2.3 million from the Government of the People’s Republic of China through its Embassy in Banjul.
The donated equipment were handed over to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad, Dr. Mamadou Tangara at a ceremony held at the new Foreign Ministry complex adjacent to the Arch 22 in Banjul.
The donated valuable consignment were Lenovo Think Pads, Lenovo mobile workstations, heavy duty photocopiers as well as several other associated hardware and software.
“The donation will alleviate some of the hardware constraints and would help the Ministry serve its mandate with efficiency,” said Honourable Tangara. He further stated that the equipment would contribute in a significant manner to the e-governance agenda of Government as articulated in Gambia’s National Development Plan 2018 – 2021.
Minister Tangara said the IT hardware and software tools will further strengthen the Ministry’s COVID -19 resilience and ability to continue serving its constituency especially when it is necessary to work from home.
The Honourable Minister used the opportunity to convey President Barrow’s appreciation to President Xi Jinping and congratulated China on its great achievement in poverty alleviation. At the end of the occasion, Minister Tangara led a guided tour for Ambassador Ma in the new headquarters building.
In handing over the equipment, the Ambassador of the People Republic of China to The Gambia, H.E. Ambassador Ma Jianchun said the equipment were purchased under a project offered by the Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister, H.E. Wang Yi during his visit to The Gambia in 2019.
Ambassador Ma expressed congratulations to Hon. Tangara and the Foreign Ministry staff for moving into the new building. He hoped the items presented by the Chinese side could help facilitate the Ministry’s daily work and provide support to The Gambia’s increasingly busy international engagement.
Ambassador Ma briefed the audience on China’s historic achievements in alleviating absolute poverty across the whole country, stressing China’s readiness in sharing poverty alleviation experience with The Gambia and in continuing to support The Gambia’s socio-economic development.