The Taiwanese embassy in Banjul on Thursday hosted a farewell dinner for the outgoing leader of Taiwan Technical Mission team (TTM) based in Sapu, Central River Region.

The event was meant to show up appreciation for the achievements registered in the field of agriculture (rice production) in that part of the country, as well as to welcome the new leader, Dr Wei-Ho Lin who will take from where his predecessor stopped. The dinner was attended by staff of the Taiwan embassy in Banjul including members of Taiwan Technical Mission team, farmers, government representatives and diplomats, representatives of UN agencies in the Gambia and a cross section of the community.

Speaking at the occasion, James Tsai the outgoing team leader thanked his government for according him the opportunity to share his knowledge with the people of The Gambia. According to him, since he took over the mission in 2005, he was able to accomplish a wide range of development in rice production and other development projects. However, Mr Tsai noted that there are lots of challenges in farming, but was quick to commend the farmers in the area for their support in making sure that he realised the aims of the mission.

He thanked President Jammeh and the people of The Gambia for their support during his tenure in office. He further remarked that for one to succeed in Agriculture and attain what one wants, "you should be aggressive". He highlighted the mission's intervention areas, disclosing that many projects are being introduced, such as (Aqua culture) and the expansion of the irrigation system that created an opportunity for farmers to increase their production.

The Taiwanese expert used the opportunity to challenge Gambians to support President Jammeh in achieving his dream for the Gambia in attaining food self- sufficiency. Speaking earlier, Richard Shih, Taiwanese Ambassador to the Gambia, thanked President Jammeh and The Gambian people for their cooperation. He expressed hope that the diplomatic ties between the two nations will continue to flourish, noting that relationship aims at supporting its citizenry and that they will continue to provide assistance and develop the capacities of her people.

Ambassador Shih thanked the outgoing leader for his generosity and selfless service rendered during his term of office in the Gambia. "It is the pleasure of the embassy to have an expert of a technical leader who devoted his time and served the country and her people the best they need," he stressed.

Seedy Jarju, permanent secretary department of state for Agriculture, on behalf of the president, Professor Alhajie Dr Yahya AJJ Jammeh, thanked Dr James Tsai and his team for the service rendered in the country. He recognised the numerous achievements registered by the mission. He described Dr Tsai as a hardworking leader, who had served his people wholeheartedly in achieving a lot in the agricutural sector.