Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The 4th Annual General Meeting of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Trade Promotion Organization (TPO) Network recently concluded in Banjul, The Gambia, with a series of resolutions aimed at enhancing trade within West Africa.

Key among the resolutions was the decision to organize regular trade fairs to stimulate intra-regional trade. ECOWAS member states are encouraged to actively participate in these fairs to foster collaboration and economic growth across the region.

Participants also called for the inclusive selection of value chains capable of driving economic development, creating jobs, and improving competitiveness in West Africa. To further this goal, measures to enhance infrastructure and logistics services were proposed, with a focus on reducing trade barriers, streamlining customs procedures, and improving transport networks for more efficient trade operations.

In addition, ECOWAS was urged to support member states in strengthening trade and economic integration by offering technical assistance, policy advice, and capacity-building initiatives. The meeting also identified potential partners and donors to secure funding for various initiatives and projects.

The resolutions highlighted the importance of cost-effective activities to maximize resource efficiency and proposed collaboration with the East African trade network to enhance continental integration. Additionally, TPOs were reminded to pay their $5,300 registration fee following registration and account opening.

To improve communication and visibility, it was decided to design logos for the Network and its initiatives, develop a collaboration platform, and create a blog space on the Network’s website for publishing relevant information and periodic press releases. These communication tools aim to enhance synergy and data sharing among Network members.

In the area of trade policy, mutual recognition certificates were suggested to reduce non-trade barriers and facilitate transactions. Participants recommended working with relevant authorities to standardize these certificates across all ECOWAS member states.

Strategies for priority products in each ECOWAS member state were proposed to boost trade opportunities. Platforms and initiatives to link suppliers and buyers directly were also recommended to facilitate trade and market access.

Additional resolutions included participation in international conferences to gain knowledge, optimizing the budget for efficient resource use, defining and achieving set objectives, and organizing quarterly meetings to review progress, discuss challenges, and plan future activities.

On behalf of the President of the ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Touray, and the Commissioner for Economic Affairs and Agriculture, Mrs. Massandjé Touré-Litsé, the Director of Trade, Kolawole Sofola, expressed gratitude to the participants for adopting these resolutions.

He emphasized that their efficient implementation would significantly promote intra-regional trade. He also congratulated the newly elected President and Vice-President of the ECOWAS Trade Promotion Organizations Network for the 2024-2025 period, wishing them success in their term of office.

The new Chairman is Modou Mbene Gueye, Director General of the Senegalese Export Promotion Agency, and the new Vice-Chairman is Ousainou Senghore, Director General of the Gambian Investment and Export Promotion Agency.