The Department of State for Trade, Industry and Employment have revealed that three companies have qualified for the Ecowas Liberalisation Scheme (ETLS) which is fully effective in The Gambia.

The three companies which were granted full acceptance are Mecalite, Gambia Agriculture Marketing Company Limited (GAMCO) and Alhagie Sankung Sillah and Sons Company. ECOWAS introduced the trade liberisation scheme (TLS) with the ultimate aim of increasing the volume of trade in the sub-region which involves the consolidation and harmonisation of custom duties and the consequent elimination of all forms of barriers within member states.

Having obtained this approval, these three companies, they will henceforth pay zero import duty for their products in the importing Ecowas member states. These products are eligible to operate under the (ETLs) as industrial products of Ecowas origin products wholly produced in Ecowas member states. This scheme will not only promote companies but also make their businesses more lucrative and most importantly it will further the realisation of the objective of the Gambias vision 2020 as well as that of Ecowas for creating gigantic integrated economic union leading to the prosperity and raised social welfare of the entire West Africa region.

ECOWAS was formed to promote co-operation and integration leading to the establishment of an economic union to raise the living standard of its people.