The 10th Bilateral Meeting between The Gambia Revenue Authority (GRA) and the Senegalese Customs Administration opened with a cordial exchange between the Directors General of the two organizations. Representatives from various ministries and agencies from both The Gambia and Senegal attended, including officials from the Ministries of Finance and Trade, Port Authority, Transport Union, Chambers of Commerce, the Gambian Embassy in Dakar and the Senegalo-Gambian Secretariat.
Dr. Mbaye Njie, the Director General of Senegalese Customs, warmly welcomed the Gambian delegation, emphasizing the strong and enduring friendship between the two nations. He reaffirmed his dedication to maintaining the bilateral agreements in place between the countries.
In his speech, Commissioner General Yankuba Darboe underscored the importance of both administrations increasing their efforts to combat illicit trade and smuggling. He highlighted the need for vigilance along porous borders through regular patrols and adherence to approved trade routes.
CG Darboe urged officials to actively engage in bilateral discussions, share their experiences and challenges, and develop actionable recommendations. He pledged full support for implementing any recommendations that emerge from the meeting.
Additionally, CG Darboe discussed how implementing SIGMAT could improve cross-border trade management, strengthen Senegambian cooperation in trade, facilitate the free movement of goods and people, and enhance national security.
The Directors General concluded the opening session by expressing gratitude to the governments of The Gambia and Senegal and all participants for their dedication to improving bilateral cooperation between the two countries.
