By Arfang M.S. Camara
The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) led by its President, Prince Adetokunbo Kayode SAN.
The MOU is aimed at encouraging, promoting and facilitating trade cooperation among the business communities of The Gambia and Nigeria. The President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) visited the Gambia at the invitation of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI)
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Chief Executive Officer of The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), Alieu Secka said the invitation is to establish a practical framework for the development of stronger trade relationship between the Gambia and Nigeria, and to set forth the procedures of cooperation, which he said can enhance the implementation of reciprocal trade objectives.
For his part, President of the Abuja Chamber of Commerce Prince Adetokunbo SAN, used the occasion to address the Nigerian banking and business community in Banjul, during which he stressed the importance of more business activities between countries in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) sub-regions, saying it would help lift the people out of poverty.
While exchanging views with the GCCI CEO and its council members, Prince Kayode stressed the need for all of Africa to key into the new Continental Trade Free Zone (CTFZ), Africa free trade agreement in order to expand intra African businesses.
He pointed out that the new dispensation will mark a turning point in the way they do business among themselves.
“A vast market such as Africa’s should be harnessed for the overall benefit of our business communities in our respective countries,” he said.
Under the agreement, it is expected that both parties shall coordinate their activities in order to establish and expand a trade network, facilitate business opportunities, collaborate in logistics matters, assist each other in organizing or participating in trade fairs, exhibitions, conference, seminars and other similar activities in particular in areas like tourism, education, oil and gas, construction, agriculture and technology.
