Gambia News : Gambian govt, private sector discuss high electricity tariff, taxation

Nov 04,2009 00:00 by lamin

The high cost of electricity and taxation in the Gambia Tuesday caught the attention of both government and the private sector as the duo held a one-day open dialogue, co-organised by the Ministry of Trade, Employment and Industry and that of Finance and Economic Affairs, here.

The dialogue, according to the organisers, is aimed at making the Gambia a more competitive business economy and to attract more private sector, international into the country.

They said the aim was also to eliminate obstacles to good business investment and make Gambia an attractive business centre for foreign investors. Opening the dialogue, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Employment, Mr. Yusuph a Kah, said that the objective was to dialogue with the private sector, and share common understanding towards the development of the country.

Mr. Kah noted that the government and the private sector were partners in progress and development, adding 'We are a family, we should meet to dialogue for und erstanding on the importance of development and the way forward."

Also addressing the gathering, the Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Mr. Abdou Colley, also expressed similar sentiments, noting that the private sector played a very important role in the development of the Gambian economy.