The head of the Gambia Standards Bureau says unified standards help global trade grow. Papa Secka shared this view at a workshop about trade standards under the African Continental Free Trade Agreement on April 23, 2025. He explained how the African Organization for Standardization works like other international groups representing Africa worldwide.
Secka pointed to research showing product standards affect manufacturing processes across all industries globally. This form of trade connection shapes how companies make products for foreign markets. He noted that making product features uniform across countries increases sales potential abroad. Recent studies found that harmonized standards boosted global trade growth up to 13 percent.
Trade Ministry official Mod Secka agreed that these uniform standards help trade flow better. They serve as the foundation for bringing regulations closer together among nations. He explained they cut technical barriers down, ensuring products maintain similar quality levels across different markets. They create common technical rules that make exporting easier for businesses trying to meet various national requirements.
The government has prepared policies to help local businesses take advantage of the free trade agreement. The Trade Ministry created a national strategy for implementing the agreement in Gambia. This plan outlines priority actions for the government over the next ten years. These steps aim to help Gambian businesses gain real benefits from the continental trade deal.
Secka pointed to research showing product standards affect manufacturing processes across all industries globally. This form of trade connection shapes how companies make products for foreign markets. He noted that making product features uniform across countries increases sales potential abroad. Recent studies found that harmonized standards boosted global trade growth up to 13 percent.
Trade Ministry official Mod Secka agreed that these uniform standards help trade flow better. They serve as the foundation for bringing regulations closer together among nations. He explained they cut technical barriers down, ensuring products maintain similar quality levels across different markets. They create common technical rules that make exporting easier for businesses trying to meet various national requirements.
The government has prepared policies to help local businesses take advantage of the free trade agreement. The Trade Ministry created a national strategy for implementing the agreement in Gambia. This plan outlines priority actions for the government over the next ten years. These steps aim to help Gambian businesses gain real benefits from the continental trade deal.
