Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) urges a continued government engagement with cement industry stakeholders to address challenges and opportunities. The industry is crucial for economic growth, employment, and remittances, making it a significant employer.

The GCCI expressed concerns over the recent tariff increases on cement imports, which were implemented in response to trade practices by Senegal. These increases have raised worries about affordability, availability, and potential adverse effects on the construction industry, remittances, and the value of the Dalasi. The chamber stressed the necessity of maintaining a stable and competitive market to ensure fair prices and prevent supply disruptions.

Calling for collaborative dialogue among all stakeholders, including the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MOTIE), the GCCI urged for sustainable solutions that benefit consumers and secure optimal revenue for the government. The chamber emphasized the importance of protecting consumers by avoiding monopolies of manufacturers and cartels of importers, promoting market efficiency, and ensuring fair pricing.

The GCCI congratulated the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration, and Employment (MOTIE) on its recent dialogue with its Senegalese counterpart, underscoring that trade and regional integration are closely linked. The chamber noted that beyond the ECOWAS protocol, The Gambia could significantly benefit from enhancing the resilience of regional value chains amid global supply chain disruptions.

Expressing its readiness to support the government and all stakeholders, the GCCI is committed to fostering a vibrant construction industry that contributes to the development of businesses of all sizes. The chamber believes that through collective efforts, a more robust, resilient, and equitable market can be created for the benefit of all consumers.

As the leading voice of the private sector in The Gambia, the GCCI represents the interests of businesses across various sectors, advocating for policies that promote economic growth, job creation, and sustainable development.