Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR) – The Senegalese Minister of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Serigne Gueye Diop, has reaffirmed his commitment to ensuring the smooth operation of trade between The Gambia and Senegal. Acknowledging the challenges faced, he highlighted efforts to elevate the economic and commercial exchanges between the two countries in recent years.

During a recent meeting with his Gambian counterpart, Minister Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof, and delegation in Diamniadio, Senegal, on Friday, May 10th, Dr. Diop emphasized the importance of strengthening economic cooperation and regional development between the two nations. He referenced the three sessions of the Senegalese-Gambian Bilateral Presidential Council held in 2018 and 2020 in Banjul and Dakar, respectively, and in August 2023 in Banjul, as evidence of this commitment.

The recent ministerial meeting in Dakar focused on addressing the constraints to trade, including the movement of goods, customs procedures, value chain development, investment promotion, and industrial growth.

The Senegalese Minister of Commerce and Industry, Dr. Serigne Gueye Diop mentioned the establishment of other frameworks such as the Joint Committee for Cooperation in Commercial Matters and the large joint cooperation commission, aimed at exploring opportunities for economic partnership and promoting bilateral trade. Despite challenges, including the impact of the pandemic, he expressed optimism in resolving these issues through joint efforts.

Addressing hurdles hindering trade between Senegal and The Gambia

Addressing specific concerns, Dr. Diop mentioned the cement issue and assured that discussions would be held to find a solution. He emphasized the need for mutual market access, stating, “Senegal needs the Gambian market and Gambia needs Senegal’s market; we have to do what it takes.”

The Senegalese Minister highlighted the importance of integrating the economies of both countries and expressed satisfaction with the relationship between the two presidents, emphasizing a shared vision for common economic, social, and trade programs.

Dr. Diop noted that trade between The Gambia and Senegal remains weak and lacks diversification. He attributed this situation to non-tariff barriers, such as complex administrative procedures and non-compliance with regional provisions on the free movement of goods and people.

In response, Minister Baboucarr Ousmaila Joof emphasized the need to acknowledge and address these barriers realistically. He highlighted the importance of facilitating trade between the two countries to strengthen their economic ties, noting that both nations are interdependent.

“We want to see movement of goods and services across the borders. To facilitate that, we need to be strong enough to take the necessary decisions to strengthen our economic evolution,” Minister Joof stated.

Both ministers expressed determination to work together to overcome these challenges and improve trade relations between The Gambia and Senegal. They agreed on the importance of adopting coordinated measures to facilitate smoother trade flows and enhance economic cooperation.

The meeting concluded with a commitment from both sides reflecting the mutual desire to strengthen ties and foster economic growth between Senegal and The Gambia.