GCCI pledges support to new Government

By Maimuna Sey-Jawo The president of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry has assured the new government their support in building a new Gambia by continuing to develop and support the private sector as a whole. “This year is unprecedented; we believe we should focus on our expectations from the new Government as we reposition GCCI as the voice of business.” He made this statement at the GCCI Office in Bijilo Kerr Jula, while delivering a speech during the launching of the 11th edition of the next GCCI Trade Fair 15 April 2017. “As we usher in the new Gambia, GCCI will be commemorating its golden jubilee as the voice of Gambia business and prides itself in connecting businesses and creating opportunities over the years. This success has been attributed to partnerships it has built and continues to build primarily with Government and various business and organizations locally and abroad over the past 50 years,” he remarked. The GCCI president said they work closely with the Government to ensure that the National Economic Council is revived and will meet regularly to share advice on economic matters. “Taxes are high, complex not uniform and also the previous government placed a lot of regulations on foreign currency leading to a closure of many businesses in the Gambia.” Jagana challenged the new leadership to take action on delivering real reform to the business tax system and foreign currency regulation to reduce the massive amount of capital flight recently experienced. “We participated in developing the private sector development strategy, consequently GCCI would continue to push for its implementation, as well as working diligently with our partners to advocate for a conducive environment for Gambian businesses.” According to him, GCCI will continue to engage policy makers, the president and ministers quarterly to seek feedback and map the way forward on matters that have been tabled. “In collaboration with the ministry of trade and GIEPA, we will organize the annual Economic Summit, which is an opportunity for private sector to table its agenda for the president and his cabinet for consideration and action.”]]>