By: Kemo Kanyi
The Gambia hosted the 32nd Intermodal Africa Conference and Exhibition. The event organised by the Gambia Ports Authority and Transport Event International, brought together experts on the African Continent to dilate on challenges faced by African maritime and logistics service providers.
The forum will discuss on possibilities of connecting the World with West African ports, creating new services and relations for future port expansion projects, visiting trade policies in Africa, amending and eliminating challenges for a better investment, rebuilding business relations to increase cargo volumes and faster free movement of goods and services, and capitalising and cementing Gambia’s role as West Africa maritime gateway from the ocean to the hinterland.
Muhammed B.S. Jallow, the Vice President of the Republic of The Gambia, acknowledged the significant roles ports play, describing them as ‘’key drivers in international maritime transportation’’, noting that it is contributing to 80% of global transportation.
“Performance of ports’ services significantly impacts the cost efficiency of the entire transportation value chain. However, ports or maritime transportation services continue to face unprecedented changes and challenges that demand innovations, adaptability, and efficiency from ports and logistics service providers,’’ H.E Vice President Muhammed B.S. Jallow stated at the Kairaba Beach Hotel on Wednesday.
He added that the platform will analyse Africa’s growth in promoting transport and trade as a means of unlocking the immense opportunities for the continent in global commerce.
Sering Modou Njie, the minister for Defence, who represented Ebrima Sillah, the minister for Transport, Works and Infrastructure, highlighted the importance of the conference. He urged the experts to dilate on issues that will serve as engines of economic growth in order to increase productivity.
Dr. Reus James, the Chief Executive Officer of Transport Event International, stated that the event increases employment opportunities, investment, and economic stability on the African continent.