By: Nyima Sillah
The Gambia Investment and Export Promotion Agency (GIEPA) has launched its second National Export Strategy document (NES) for 2021-2025. The Strategy document aims to improve the country’s trade balance and its ranking in exports.
Speaking at the ceremony, Vice President Dr. IsatouTouray said: “the second NES focused on supporting the Gambia’s export ready and export potential firms to enter regional and global value chain, particularly in value addition, horticulture and Agro-processing, ground nuts, cashew, fisheries, light manufacturing and service particularly tourism, to bring further benefits to the country.”
It is critical that the NES reflect an understanding of needs of export markets and not just focus on addressing supply -side issues, such as the high cost of electricity.
“The NES should therefore not only be based on what the country wants to supply nor on improving their productivity process and market access, but should also critically reflect what the market are demanding,” she added.
Meanwhile, CEO OF GIEPA, Ousainou Senghore, added that the development of the National Export Strategy is a necessity to guide the agency in its drive to realize the export development aspirations of The Gambia, as enshrined in the National Development Plan 2018–2021.
“I urge all stakeholders to support the implementation of the NES activities for us to realize sustainable economic growth, wealth creation and prosperity for the people of The Gambia, as highlighted in the NES Vision,” he said.
Minister of Trade, Seedy Keita, said if the National Export Strategy is implemented it will transform the lives of the Gambian’s and give the necessary investors that the country long deserves.
He disclosed that the government is committed to ensuring full implementation of this Strategy with full participation of the private sector and development partners.
Commonwealth Rep, Mrs Yinka Bandele, said implementation is the key and that requires the Ministry of Trade to be at the apex in driving this process forward. Adding that, accountability is important for all stakeholders.
However, NES Lead Consultant Dr. Auliana Poon of Tourism Intelligence International also spoke at length via Zoom.