Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL) – The National Assembly Select Committee on Trade and Regional Integration embarked on a crucial trade facilitation visit to Senegal from May 13th to 16th, 2024. This visit underscores the Committee’s commitment to enhancing regional trade and addressing pertinent issues affecting transit goods between The Gambia and Senegal.

The Committee, tasked with oversight responsibilities for the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Regional Integration and Employment, operates under the mandate established by Section 109 of the 1997 Constitution and Standing Order 97 of the National Assembly. Section 109(2)(b) specifically empowers the Committee to investigate matters of public importance, a duty they are keenly executing.

During the Fifth Legislature, the trade committee had conducted a comprehensive tour of both official and unofficial border crossings within The Gambia. This initiative aimed to gather firsthand information on the implementation of ECOWAS protocols and conventions regarding the transit of goods across Gambian borders.

In their recent visit to Senegal, the Committee engaged in productive discussions with officials from both the Gambian and Senegalese revenue authorities. These discussions centered on the implementation of the ECOWAS Inter-State Road Transit (ISRT) Convention, a crucial framework for facilitating the smooth movement of goods within the region.

Hon. Kebba Jallow, Chair of the Committee, highlighted several concerns raised during these consultations. Notably, Gambian transit goods are subjected to double escort fees, which significantly diminishes the attractiveness of transit trade through The Gambia and potentially impacts customs revenue.

To address these concerns, the Committee’s visit included engagements with their counterpart committee in the Senegalese Parliament and meetings with key stakeholders involved in implementing the ISRT Convention. The objective was to ensure the efficient movement of goods, including those in transit, along the designated corridor.

Moreover, the visit served as a follow-up with both the Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and Senegalese customs to ensure continued focus on the operationalization and implementation of the Shared Integrated Management System for Transit Goods (SIGMAT). This system is pivotal for streamlining transit processes and enhancing trade facilitation between the two countries.

The National Assembly Select Committee on Trade and Regional Integration remains committed to fostering regional integration and resolving trade challenges, thereby contributing to the economic development of The Gambia and its neighbors.