Gambiaj.com – (BANJUL, The Gambia) – Early this week, President Adama Barrow met with European Union Ambassador to The Gambia, Corrado Pampaloni, at State House on Tuesday to discuss various collaborative projects aimed at boosting the nation’s economic growth and development.

One of the primary topics of discussion was the planned expansion of Banjul Port, which is seen as a pivotal project for the country’s economic enhancement. President Barrow acknowledged the slow pace of negotiations but expressed optimism about the improvements. “Negotiations are slow, but we are positive about improving the Port because it is linked with business enhancements and hidden prices affecting the cost of living, especially imported goods,” President Barrow stated.

Another significant project is the electrification of 1,000 schools across The Gambia, which had faced delays due to technical issues now resolved. The President emphasized the transformative impact of solarizing schools, affirming his government’s dedication to providing the necessary counterpart funds. “The solarisation of schools would be a game changer,” he asserted.

Environmental sustainability was also a key focus, with plans to address the Bakoteh dumpsite by creating a modern waste segregation facility. This project aims to reduce pollution while boosting the economy and youth employment. President Barrow has mandated the formation of a committee involving relevant stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.

Additionally, the EU and the Ministry of Finance are poised to sign a strategic Youth Empowerment Project (YEP) in Tourism worth 10 million euros. This project will focus on training experts and increasing youth employment in the tourism sector.

President Barrow expressed his gratitude to Ambassador Pampaloni for the EU’s continuous support, particularly in the Security Sector Reform (SSR), which he described as crucial for assessing the country’s democracy. “These are signs of our genuine partnership,” President Barrow concluded.

The discussions highlight the collaborative efforts between The Gambia and the European Union in driving forward key development initiatives that promise to significantly impact the nation’s growth and prosperity.