Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – In a significant step towards enhancing regional cooperation, Senegal and Gambia have signed three new pivotal agreements aimed at fostering metrology, health security, and broader bilateral cooperation.

This milestone was earmarked during the 2nd meeting of the Joint Committee for Commercial Cooperation between the two nations, co-chaired by Dr. Serigne Guèye Diop, Senegal’s Minister of Industry and Commerce, and Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, Gambia’s Minister of Industry, Trade, Regional Integration, and Labor.

A New Economic Zone in Casamance

One of the most notable outcomes of the meeting is the establishment of a special economic zone for industrial production in Casamance. This tripartite zone, involving Senegal, Gambia, and Guinea-Bissau, aims to bolster industrial activities and create a hub for economic growth in the region.

Strengthening Trade and Cooperation

Dr. Serigne Guèye Diop highlighted the growing volume of trade between the two countries, which reached an estimated 113 billion FCFA in 2023. Despite this growth, he noted that it still represents less than 5% of their overall trade, emphasizing the need to tap into the under-exploited commercial potential between the neighboring nations.

“Faced with this observation, we must do everything we can to correct this situation and consequently raise the level of trade between Senegal and the Gambia,” Dr. Diop said.

Bilateral Frameworks and Strategic Issues

To address these challenges, several bilateral cooperation frameworks have been established over the years. The Senegalese-Gambian Presidential Council, for instance, has convened three times—in 2018, 2020, and 2023—to discuss and implement strategies for closer cooperation.

The joint committee meeting underscored cooperation in critical areas such as trade facilitation, free movement of people and goods, the implementation of the ECOWAS trade liberalization plan, and the elimination of trade barriers. Additionally, customs cooperation, transit issues, food safety, and collaboration between standardization institutes and legal metrology were highlighted as priority areas.

“Collaboration in strengthening cooperation in the trade of specific products such as cashew nuts, and developing common special economic zones to stimulate bilateral trade and diversify national economies“, the joint committee stated.

A Vision for Economic Integration

Both ministers emphasized the importance of creating a seamless business environment to attract investors and stimulate economic activities. The goal is to make Senegal and The Gambia a preferred destination for investment by eliminating bureaucratic hurdles and facilitating easier trade processes.

“We need to build a permanent platform for exchanges between Senegal and the Gambia to ensure diligent and efficient management of the constraints linked to exchanges between the two countries,” Dr. Diop stated, inviting stakeholders to join this initiative.

A Forward-Looking Partnership

The newly signed agreements and the establishment of the special economic zone signal a forward-looking partnership between Senegal and Gambia. By leveraging their geographical and cultural proximity, both nations aim to unlock new economic opportunities and enhance the well-being of their populations.

As these initiatives unfold, they are expected to pave the way for a more integrated and prosperous West Africa, benefiting not only Senegal and Gambia but also the broader ECOWAS region.