Kebba  Njie, chief executive officer (CEO) of The Gambia Investment Promotions and Free Zone Agency (GIPFZA), has said that the promotion of Agro based industries and Agriculture are the top priorities for his agency in  the attainment of their objectives. According to him, these are areas where his agency could explore and register more successes.

Mr Njie made these remarks recently, during an interview with journalists, at  a one day business seminar, held at the Paradise Suites Hotel in Kololi.

The seminar which brought together stakeholders in the business sector was part of GIPFZA's efforts in developing the July 22 business park at Yundum, Kombo North , Western Region. GIPFZA, who has already developed The Gambia's first business park at Banjul International Airport in Yundum, which attract both local and foreign investment in export-oriented and value added manufacturing activities, hopes that the proposed July 22nd park in Yundum will be the first fully serviced industrial park in the country with its independent power, water, telecommunication and waste management facilities.

According to him, The Gambia has already made a name for herself  in the world map for creating a conducive environment for business enterprise, noting that this has been evident in the rapid increase in the number of business establishments in the country.

"We want to change The Gambia into an exporting country that will export raw materials to other countries in the sub-region as well as to Europe and the US. The business park will also create an opportunity for many companies to take advantage of the opportunities that we have, to export materials to different destinations in the world. Foreign companies has also expressed interest in investment in the country especially for those involved in the manufacturing of Gambian products which can be sold to both local and international market," he remarked.

The GIPFZA Boss also added that the July 22 business park, just like any other park, is meant to promote investment and create the right environment for business establishment, noting that the country has recently being granted AGOA visa in the textile sub-sector which will be another boost for the country's business sector.

Mr Njie noted that we have seen indications of interest of companies that wants to relocate in the country to take advantage of these opportunities.