Press Release, Office of The President
His Excellency President Adama Barrow witnessed the signing ceremony of a fifty Million Dollar
($50,000) grant for the construction of an International Conference Center in The Gambia. The
Project agreement was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and
Gambians Abroad, Honourable Ousainou Darbo on behalf of the Government of The Gambia. The
Chinese Ambassador to The Gambia, His Excellency, Zhang Jiming signed on behalf of his
government.
President Barrow thanked the Chinese government for the confidence it has in the New Gambia. He
expressed gratitude to Ambassador Zhang Jiming for his personal support demonstrated since he took
leadership of the country. The President added that his government also gives priority to energy,
farming and health care amongst others. The Gambian leader assured China of his government’s
support to the One China policy.
Chinese Ambassador, His Excellency, Zhang Jiming stated the construction of the $50 Million
International Conference Centre project will last for two years. Upon completion it will be another
monumental symbol of the China-Gambia bilateral relations similar to that of the Independent
stadium built in Bakau in the 1980s. He said the International Conference Centre will provide
employment and boost tourism.
In response, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Gambians Abroad,
Honourable Ousainou Darbo applauded the support China continues to provide to The Gambia and
cited the scholarship scheme students benefit from the People Republic of China. Mr. Darbo recalled
the visit of a high powered Chinese government delegation earlier this year and described the support
as a testimony of China’s commitment to The Gambia. Present at the signing ceremony were the
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Njogu Sareer Bah and Permanent Secretary Office
of the President Ebrima Ceesay and a Chinese delegation.
