The Taiwanese plenipotentiary to The Gambia has lauded the monthly business forum as a catalyst to the buoyancy of the country's booming business sector. Dr Patrick made this statement on Wednesday at the Gambia's Business Society Forum at the Kairaba Hotel, where he was honoured as the guest speaker.

Ambassador Chang expressed delight to be associated with the initiative, noting that it paves the way for more business partnership and expansion, besides showcasing business products and activities.

The forum is organised to promote and give an insight into the functions and works carried out by institutions and organisations. It also creates a platform where guests ask questions pertaining to business development and provides an opportunity for members of the Gambian business society to interact in a relaxed atmosphere.

In his speech, Ambassador Chang stressed the important role of diplomacy in galvanising busineses of various countries to forge credible partnerships that can yield multiple benefits to a country. He then expressed resolve to strengthen the bilateral relationship at all fronts between Banjul and Taipei, expressing hope to encourage more business investment in the country.

He expressed admiration with the visionary leadership of President Alhaji Dr Yahya Jammeh for uplifting the standard of living of the country, especially in the areas of education, health and agriculture.

He paid tribute to the president for encouraging girls education and for sending Gambians on academic studies overseas. He described this as a clear manifestation of his selfless resolve to the rapid development of the country.

Giving an overview of the work of the Taiwanese Technical Mission in The Gambia, Dr James Tsai, head of the mission, said they started operation in The Gambia in November, 1995, with the aim to contribute to the development process of the country through agriculture and key other sectors.

Dr Tsai said the mission has been focusing on the rice production and vegetable gardening in the country, saying that the most recent programme is the "newly introduced acquaculture in Sapu in Central River Region".

According to him, all these interventions are geared towards enhancing and diversifying agricultural production, as well as enable the country to achieve food security and poverty reduction.