Abdou Colley, secretary of state for Trade, Industry and Employment, on Saturday launched the Association of Gambian Manufacturers at the Istanbul Restaurant along Kairaba Avenve.

In his launching statement, SoS Colley said that government is committed to a comprehensive and intensive development aimed at transforming The Gambian economy from a low level income generating country depending on agriculture and tourism to a more diversified economy based on its own natural, human, and materials resources

He was of the believe that these objectives can be achieved through the development of a sound industrial base and intergrated economy.

SoS Colley added that "it is our conviction that both the public and private sectors share the same objective of improving the welfare of the Gambian population through their respective interventions in efficent utilization and allocation of resources.

It is therefore important that the public and the private sector collaborate in pursuit of these objectives".

He then urged the managements of companies to continue to be innovative and pro-active in the face of globalisation. "It is only through this way that the companies can benefit from the opportunities offered by the regional integration process and in particular, the Ecowas Trade Liberalisation Secheme," he said.

For his part, Bai Matarr Drammeh, president of the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), revealed that the country's business environment is becoming very progressive in its attempt to develop an outstanding entrepreneur culture through the acquisition of necessary skills in business.

Mr Drammeh then thanked the government of The Gambia for its support and parternship with GCCI.