The Gambia economy was greatly boosted by revenue generated from this trade because imported goods destined for re-export pay the normal import duties. He claims that Senegalese officials hinder movement of goods from The Gambia at the borders. He said the Senegalese usually employ delay tactics, such as claiming they have to first do some paperwork in Dakar before clearing passage for vehicles carrying merchandise from Gambia.
They [Senegalese] are doing this just to discourage others from taking their goods through Senegal. He also hinted that the Port of Ziguinchor in the Southern Senegalese region of Casamance is now fully operational. As a result, agricultural and other products passing through The Gambia and destined for Southern Senegal and other neighbouring countries now come through the Zinguinchor Port.
He expressed worry that many Gambian-based merchants now prefer to import through Senegal, as they claim it is now quicker and easier to bring in goods through the Dakar Port. The result is loss of revenue for The Gambia, as some of the goods are smuggled into the country due to porous borders. He called on the government of The Gambia through the relevant authority to remedy the situation, saying that it is getting out of hand. When The Progress Newspaper contacted the GRA, we were told that the authority is not mandated to impose, reduce, or increase taxes, and that such responsibility lies with the National Assembly law making body in the country.
The increase in re-export trade is mainly due to an increased in the re-export of petroleum products mainly to Mali which has increased from D When contacted for clarification, the Ministry of Trade told The Progress Newspaper that the person familiar with the issue is presently out of the jurisdiction. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. About Latest Posts. News Desk. Latest posts by News Desk see all.
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