Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas traveled to The Gambia and Senegal from March 9th to 15th. He heads the Ecowas Trade Liberalisation Scheme Task Force, which focuses on making trade easier between West African countries. The team searched for obstacles that prevent nations from trading freely with each other.
During their visit, they met with government officials, ministers, and customs chiefs. They checked rules that let goods and people cross borders. They sat down with business leaders to hear about trade problems. The team planned to use these ideas to boost regional business.
The group checked out the Banjul-Farafenni road and the Senegambia Bridge. This bridge connects both countries and is important for regional travel. Their talks showed major trade problems exist between these nations. Gambian products face rejection in Senegal despite official approval, and travelers experience harassment at border points.
Dr. Chambas praised the brotherly relationship between The Gambia and Senegal. He pointed to their Joint Commission meetings as evidence of cooperation. He pushed for more talks and real solutions to fix these trade issues. Both countries should speed up computer systems at borders and start using the Sigmat transit system.
He suggested creating a fast alert system for trade problems. This would link drivers directly with officials when issues happen. The visit ended with a signed agreement between the Task Force and the two countries. This represents a big step forward for trade teamwork in the Ecowas area.
During their visit, they met with government officials, ministers, and customs chiefs. They checked rules that let goods and people cross borders. They sat down with business leaders to hear about trade problems. The team planned to use these ideas to boost regional business.
The group checked out the Banjul-Farafenni road and the Senegambia Bridge. This bridge connects both countries and is important for regional travel. Their talks showed major trade problems exist between these nations. Gambian products face rejection in Senegal despite official approval, and travelers experience harassment at border points.
Dr. Chambas praised the brotherly relationship between The Gambia and Senegal. He pointed to their Joint Commission meetings as evidence of cooperation. He pushed for more talks and real solutions to fix these trade issues. Both countries should speed up computer systems at borders and start using the Sigmat transit system.
He suggested creating a fast alert system for trade problems. This would link drivers directly with officials when issues happen. The visit ended with a signed agreement between the Task Force and the two countries. This represents a big step forward for trade teamwork in the Ecowas area.
