Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – Stakeholders from various Ministries and Departments have, on Friday, validated The Gambia’s Domestic Trade Strategy. This strategy represents a significant milestone in the efforts of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment (MoTIE) to enhance trade development in the country.

The strategy promotes economic growth by enhancing internal trade efficiency and competitiveness. It aims to achieve this by integrating domestic trade, removing trade barriers, and encouraging modernization and innovation.

The strategy also seeks to stimulate the production of domestic goods, optimize the utilization of domestic markets, and position The Gambia favorably within regional and international trade integrations.

Mr. Abdoulie Jammeh, the Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, emphasized that the vision is to establish an efficient domestic market and export-led competitive economy. This vision aligns with the goal of creating jobs, increasing incomes, and improving living standards for Gambians.

The strategy comprises eleven fundamental pillars, including Trade Capacity Development, Enhancing Market Competitiveness, Ensuring Regulatory Compliance, Investment Promotion and Facilitation, Promoting Job Creation and Employment Growth, Strengthening trade-related Institutions, Trade Facilitation, Efficiency, Policy Alignment, and Synergy.

To further enrich and deepen the strategy, specific attention has been given to promoting the procurement of locally made products within governmental and institutional frameworks. This initiative aims to stimulate local industries and contribute to the overall economic growth of The Gambia.

The validation of the Domestic Trade Strategy marks a crucial step towards achieving sustainable economic development and fostering a conducive environment for trade in The Gambia.