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Gambia News : Gambian investors seek respect for ECOWAS Protocols
Business operators in the Gambia have called on Guinea Bissau
authorities to honour and respect the ECOWAS protocols to facilitate
free movement of goods and services in and out of Guinea.
They made the call at a one-day business forum organised by the
Gambia Investment Promotion and Free Zone (GIPFZA) here Wednesday to
facilitate interaction between business operators in the Gambia and
Guinea Bissau.
The Gambian operators expressed concern over the
numerous barriers affecting tra de between the two countries, and
called on the Guinea Bissau authorities to ensure compliance with the
bilateral and multilateral trade agreements signed by both countries
Muhammed
Jah, CEO of the Quantum Net, an internet service provider, said in his
comments at the forum that many Gambians were interested in investing
in Guinea Bissau but were being discouraged by concerns over security
and good governance.
He therefore called on the Bissau
authorities to critically look into the proble ms and put in place
appropriate mechanisms to address the fears of the Gambian business
people, so as to enhance cooperation between business operators in the
two countries.
Madam Adelade Sey, an entrepreneur engaged in
fashion and designing, described her first business trip to Guinea
Bissau as “very sour,” recalling: “We even had to spend the night in
our cars at the border, because we were not allowed by the security
(agencies to enter Guinea Bissau.
''We had to give out a lot of
money to the security (men) at various checkpoints before reaching
Bissau. On my return, I had to request for a diplomatic travel document
from the Gambian Embassy in Bissau so as to facilitate smooth return
back home,'' she lamented.
Mr. Bai Matarr Drammeh, president of
the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), expressed similar
concern, noting: “unless countries respect the ECOWAS Protocols, it
will be very difficult for businessmen to forge ahead in cross border
trading.''
Delegates who attended the forum included the Guinea
Bissau Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Fisheries, as well as
the President of the Guinea Bissau Chamber of Commerce.
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