The Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) on Wednesday 22nd April signed a Co-operation Agreement with the Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

On the invitation of the Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Gambia Chamber of Commerce and Industry delegation, led by the President, Mr Bai Matarr Drammeh, held a four day consultations in Madrid to explore ways in which the two Chambers can mobilize their members for joint ventures and investments in The Gambia and Spain.

The Gambian private sector delegation visited the Madrid Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Spanish High Council of Chambers of Commerce, the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade (ICEX), the biggest Infrastructure development Company in Madrid, OHL, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Based on these consultations, the two Chambers have signed a Cooperation Agreement, focusing on the following areas: Exchange of market information to promote trade and economic ties; Promote exchange visits and trade missions between the two countries; Support to and participation in trade fairs/exhibitions, conferences and meetings organized by the two countries; Collaborate in the settlement of disputes between Spanish and Gambian Companies and Promote Capacity Building initiatives of the two Chambers.

The Cooperation Agreement was signed by the Presidents of the two Chambers, Mr Bai Matarr Drammeh and Mr Salvador Santos Campano.

In the same vein the Government of Spain has initiated a project through the Catalonia Cooperation Agency whereby Companies can submit project proposals for financing on a joint venture arrangement with Spanish Companies.

The CCCI is presently developing a database of business in The Gambia by areas of operations, in readiness for an upcoming trade mission to The Gambia by Spanish Companies in November. Interested Companies may contact the CCCI for registration.