The Gambia government through The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Regional Integration and The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) has struck a compromise with the major importers of sugar into the country, to ensure the availability and affordability of the commodity especially during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

This was disclosed to journalists Tuesday at a  press briefing held at the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Regional Integration office in Banjul, following an intensive two-week negotiation between the GCCI and importers of sugar. The parties expressed their commitment to ensure that the needs of the common citizenry are guaranteed and their concerns taken into consideration.

The major importers of sugar; four major trading enterprises, namely; Syben A. Madi & Sons Enterprise, Gam Food Trading, Tajco Limited and EM Kay Enterprise, revealed that they are all expecting a ship carrying containers of sugar to dock at the Banjul Port later this week; and will start the distribution and sale of the commodity, both retail and wholesale, in their various outlets with immediate effect. They also said they have taken note of the entreaty made to them by the ministry to consider the plight of the people, and so they have all agreed to peg the price of a bag of sugar at D1, 250 per bag.

Hassan Akar, a representative from the Gam Food Trading Company said: "We believe that there is a shortage of sugar, which is already a global problem, but I would like to tell the citizens of The Gambia not to panic, there is a lot of sugar coming in the country, we just have delay in shipment. We are expecting 50 containers which is about 1350 metric tons of sugar by Saturday August 14th and we will be selling it at D1, 250 per bag."

For his part, Hassan Tydixnof Tajco Limited, said: "By next week Saturday, we are expecting 45 containers and before the end of the month we will receive 50 containers, people should not be worried there is sugar coming and we will all sell at the same price."
Peter Azizof  ShybenA. Madi& Sons, and Nandur Raguan, from EM Kay Limited all expressed similar sentiments. The importers informed the gathering that they will be opening both retail and wholesale outlets in Banjul and the WestField junction to ensure sugar is made available to consumers. Nandur Raguan even confirmed that his company has 1500 bags of sugar in stock, which will be available for sale tomorrow at their West Field store.

The minister of Trade, Industry and Regional Integration, Yusupha Kah, said they deemed it necessary to persuade the importers of not only sugar, but also other basic commodities, to ensure that there is constant availability of such commodities at reasonable prices because it is their responsibility to ensure that the needs of the citizens are satisfied. He explained that government does not set commodity prices because its' economic policy demands that market forces freely dictate price. He expressed joy that a reasonable compromise was reached among the parties.

Minister Kah further stated that the shortage of sugar is a global problem, and as at now, Brazil is the only exporter of the commodity and the demand is high. He added that it is their duty as a government to ensure the protection of the interest of the citizens at all times. He also seized the opportunity to call on people to ensure that the sugar that is brought into the country remains within our borders; and to report to the authorities whenever they see any truck taking sugar out of the country.

Abdoul Salaam Secka, the chief executive officer of the GCCI, expressed gratitude that they were able to partner the ministry in addressing a pressing national issue. He said his institution is aware that the importers go through lots of challenges before they can bring goods into the country, adding that it is a goodwill gesture that through consultations and partnerships, they are now able to assure the general public of the availability of sugar. He then assured the general public that on  Saturday there will be 135 containers of sugar which is equivalent to 72,900 bags in the country. The press briefing was chaired by Naffie Barry, the permanent secretary, Ministry of Trade, Industry and Regional Integration.