2011 Trade Policy Under Review

In pursuing the objectives of the National Trade Policy and Action Matrix of the Diagnosis Trade Integrated Study (DTIS), the ministry of trade, industry, regional integration and employment has developed a Medium Term Plan (MTP) 2011-2015 that embraces an integrated action plan – a framework for mainstreaming trade in the national and development agenda linking it to national policy and macroeconomic goals.
“The MTP will strengthen the competitiveness of the Gambian economy as government strives to pursue an export-led strategy,” said Naffie Barry permanent secretary of the ministry, while speaking at the occasion held at the Paradise hotel.
While the MTP is key in integrating trade into the national development planning framework, it also among other things aims at improving and maintaining a competitive trading environment that is capable of enhancing domestic production, improving export performance and harnessing the Gambia’s comparative advantages in the service sector.
The policy is a result of a diagnosis trade study conducted in 2007 as part of efforts to enhance the mainstreaming of trade in national development strategies.
“The study identifies directions for establishing a more sustainable foundation for the country’s position as a trade gateway to the region,” she added. However, this cannot be achieved in the absence of improving the national transport system and reinforcing its efficient trade facilitation services, while recognizing the limited potential of growth.
The MTP focuses on enhancing the key productive sectors such as agriculture, fisheries, manufacturing as well as the service sector such as telecommunication, energy and tourism.
PS Barry asserted that the government would not backtrack in collaborating with partners in their collective effort to mobilize resources for the implementation of the MTP within a framework of global aid for trade initiatives. “The essence of developing a[n] MTP is to ensure that Aid for Trade related resources are channeled through the normal programmable Official Development Assistance,” she noted.
The formulation of the MTP is timely as government is not moving in snail pace in formulating the Programme for Accelerated Growth and Employment (PAGE). The policy will provide an input into the PAGE and by extension will serve as a scaffold for mainstreaming trade into national development programmes.